Friends! We have made it to another Friday in whatever this is that is happening. A few of the questions from Instagram this week were basically: hey are you okay? You seem not okay. Is anyone okay right now? I’m seriously asking. Is anyone thriving? I remember when I had the second child, one of my wiser friends reminded me (as I was in the middle of having a complete and total breakdown) that everyone should get an extra dose of grace. I’ve tried to bring that extra dose of grace energy into my everyday interactions, but I’ll be real and say it’s getting harder and harder to do that. I read a stat yesterday that more Americans have died of COVID than in World War I and Vietnam combined and we still have people out here who deny or act like it’s not a big deal. I cannot wrap my brain around it, and while I’d much rather ignore all that makes me feel: I can not longer pretend I’m not extremely angry. I know it’s beginning to get trite to talk about how hard all of this is, but all I can do is just keep reminding you that this is hard. It is hard to be single right now. It is hard to be newly married right now. It is hard to be not-newly married. It is hard to have roommates. It is hard to have a job right now. It is hard to be unemployed right now. It is hard to have a family right now. It is hard to have friends right now. It is hard to raise children right now. It is hard to be a bonus mom or dad, aunt or uncle, or special adult. It is hard to have church right now. It is hard to be the Church right now. It is hard to sleep right now. It is hard to create right now. It is hard to pray right now. It is hard to grieve right now. It is hard to love right now. It is hard to be a person right now. IT IS HARD.
First time commenter here. Hope this wasn’t posted already, but this delight (in small doses) has been my laugh track this week. See links in the description to jump to your favorite song & I’m not offended if you absolutely hate it! 😂
I’m really thankful for this email and while it seems so simple to say things are hard, it really helps to see another person say/write it. I work full time and am working on my MBA in the evenings so my brain is basically mush by the time I get to wind down. I’ve taken to re-reading the Harry Potter series and I have lost count of how many times I’ve been through the 7 books this year but I’m pretty sure we are in the teens at this point. I know it sounds weird but the theaters are closed so this form of escapism will have to do. Seriously- 10/10 recommend rereading something you read in a simpler time.
Gosh I just love this newsletter. Love reading through all of the comments too. Going to be brief because I am ready for bed, but... a list:
1. Yes to adult temper tantrums. I got so frustrated with my boss at work (we still work from home), that I politely said “can you hold on for just a second?”, put my call on mute, screamed some profanities and then crushed my plastic blue light blocker glasses. Then went right back to our call. It was incredibly therapeutic. Highly recommend breaking something!
2. I took ALL WEEK off work next week and I am so excited for a true break from it. Virtual working feels like you never really disconnect, but I am going to do my absolute best not to log in at all until 11/30.
3. Speaking of, I’m also cooking a VERY small Turkey Day meal for my little family. This meme perfectly describes how I am taking on that task:
4. Finally - as an example of people not taking COVID seriously or using religion to claim it’s not serious... my (very naive but sweet) MIL asked me recently if we would be getting the vaccine. This was before any of the trial results were made public, so I said “I’m not sure yet.” And her reply killed me. She said she talked to her friend Dorothy (who is part of Kenneth Copeland’s prosperity preaching cult), and her friend said “Diann you don’t need a vaccine because you’re covered in the blood {of Christ}.” And I looked at her and said “but didn’t you get the coronavirus??” 🙄🙄🙄🙄 I cannot. Cannot.
Also, yes, so over my church friends saying we were not given a spirit of fear, we are covered in the blood, etc. Yes, those things are true, but I don’t really want to tempt God with reckless behavior. It’s so frustrating.
Yes! I want to remind those folks that Jesus also said to love thy neighbor (aka not recklessly walk around and potentially infect them with a deadly disease), but I am afraid I would come off to snarky. It’s tough.
Well, covid took over my grandpa nursing home. They've had zero patients get covid this whole time, last Wednesday my grandpa tested positive and he passed away Tuesday. They were up to 65 cases on Tuesday. FROM ZERO TO 65 IN 6 DAYS! I'm crushed, heartbroken, we couldn't be with him, we haven't seen him in eight months, it's just a nightmare. Planning some kind of service in the midst of a pandemic is another kind of nightmare I don't wish on anyone either.
I'm in a bubble of grief and this little newsletter brought me a few moments of light so thank you.
I’m so sorry! Praying for extra peace and comfort right now!!!
I’m with Erin, I’m starting to get very ragey. It’s Extra frustrating that the “deniers” are saying “well that’s in a nursing home”. Suddenly the sanctity of life doesn’t count, nor the grief and loss and stress of making arrangements much less in the midst of a pandemic. Sorry about my rant... my grandmother passed away in her nursing home last month due to Covid. We were supposed to see her back in April but couldn’t. It’s hurtful and irresponsible to downplay all this pain.
Shawna, I’m so incredibly sorry. I know there is nothing I can say that will make it better, but hopefully you can get a little bit of relief/distraction from the comments.
I am coming at you from my bedroom where my four year old son and I are each on our own screens and have been for hours. What are screen-time limits? I do not know them nor do I want to at this juncture, thank you and goodnight. (I feel like I should pause here to mention that my son's name is Fitz--short for Fitzwilliam, after Mr. Darcy. Yes, I'm that person.)
Erin, I'm so feeling your newsletter this week. Nothing specific has been a turd this week. It's just the combined pressure chamber that is the world right now. We are not meant to live with this kind of pressure long term. Pardon me while I scream an obscenity into my pillow.
Any other bookworms having a weird reading year? I so want to take all this at-home time and disappear into book-land, but I'm finding it really hard to focus on stories. Then occasionally I'll hit a point where I read three books in a week.
Treasures: Uhhhh....I really need to track these so I don't come to these and have nothing to type.
- My daughter memorizing Last Christmas on car rides with her dad and singing it all the time. It's adorable, and now she understands what an earworm is, lol.
- It's been reasonably chilly at times this week, which I really enjoy living in SC. It makes me feel less bad for staying inside. (I probably do need to try those stupid walks. But I really do hate exercise unless it's in a gym and I can use it as an excuse for solo tv watching/podcast listening.)
- Internet friends. I have a handful of friends from around the globe who all met because of being nerdy friends of a tv show, and now we just chat on a discord about life. I met one of my closest friends this way and it's nice to have friends who I can't really grow more distant from due to a pandemic since we can't really see each other in person anyway.
- My Friends DVDs are down from the attic since it's no longer on Netflix, and I am ready for the yearly rewatch of all the Thanksgiving episodes.
That's all I've got! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
It’s been a horrible reading year! I’ve always been a die hard physical book person, but I do have the kindle app on my phone. A few weeks ago, I bought a kindle book on sale that would be a frivolous read and forgot about it. This week, while scrolling on my phone on the couch, I remembered the book and just opened the app. It sounds horrible but maybe since I’m used to just being on my phone, the fact that the book was on my phone made it more accessible to my 2020 brain? I finished it in two days and I’m on to another so hopefully this will keep me out of the rut
I use my Kindle Paperwhite all the time, but maybe the simplicity of reading on my phone is what my brain needs to trick it into interest! I will try that.
I feel so seen with the anger that people are still denying this. My kids small, private Spanish immersion school has decided masks are optional for students and staff despite it being a state mandate. I found out on Wed. that a teacher who had been in my son's class is sick with covid and has been for 6 days. We were told 6 days later! I talked to the director and had to say we are pulling out if they don't start requiring masks. Turns out she doesn't believe in masks. I feel bad because my son's teacher is amazing and takes covid very seriously, but if the school itself doesn't I feel like we can't keep going there. Every little thing is just so freaking hard!
On to treasures-
I loved Dash & Lily on Netflix. I needed a day of mindless fun!
We broke our normal rule of no Christmas before Thanksgiving and the lights are giving me life!
I finished up my Christmas shopping today and having one less thing to think about it so nice.
Your anger is valid. Virtual school/homeschool has been hard for us, but we’ve also had some really great moments too. Hoping that the good will outshine the bad for you!
Turd: There's been a weird influx of anti-mask people in the coffee shop I manage this week. Like...refuse to put one on when asked kindly and offered one, then berate the barista who enforces rules they don't make or have control over, and ultimately forcing us to ask them to leave. It's exhausting and makes me terribly sad for my community and like....humanity? Thankfully I have a kick a## enneagram 8 barista who doesn't feel like he's going to puke and cry at the same time who has been handling it. (side note: I would love to get him a gift to thank him for what he's been putting up with but I don't know what 20 year old boys like if any of you have suggestions I would be forever grateful!)
Treasure: I bought a tube of Pillsbury grands cinnamon rolls and I ate them for all 3 meals the other day and can I say....it was glorious. My future doctor and dentist appointment are going to suck but that's for future Joy to deal with. (along with my car ac that I decided to ignore until it's hot enough again to care........future Joy is going to be pissed.)
You could always do just a Visa gift card and that way he can choose how he wants to spend it. Also, I completely support your choice to eat cinnamon rolls all day. Food is comfort, no matter what diet culture will tell you---and if this is the comfort you needed, I say have at it! :)
I'm masked, I'm at my desk and I'm late to the commenting because -- well work has been a whole mess messy mess and this week has been beyond nutter butters when I'm here.
But just a couple hours and I don't have to physically be in the building for a whole week!
LIFT THOSE PRAISE HANDS UPPPPP!
So my mix of comments for the past week....
1. I completely my Charity Miles goal of reaching 1,135 miles for 2020. That is about a 5k a day if I had made it last all year, but because I'm me there were days I went 4-6 miles and that helped tick miles down that much faster. I started my year doing indoor workouts and being on a treadmill at the office but then Covid stopped that, so was I literally running in my garage? YEP! then all spring/summer/fall I earned them outside (I was doing less running because my hips and back were not having it) -- but a 4-6 mile walk is still an accomplishment to me! I'm trying to determine a goal for 2021. We'll see what I end up determining.
2. I turned 44. YAY for middle age! I ate a lot of food -- my husband gave me a costco pack of meat (lol). So many dear Friends and family reached out so I felt very loved this go around the sun. I got food from one of my favorite fast casual chains here in MN : https://www.nafnafgrill.com/ I love me some middle eastern leaning food. I also got Vietnamese and 2 different cakes. One was delivered by my dearest Auntie who I haven't seen since February. She works in health care and health care education. We talk and text and video message one another. But she is just spent. Seeing her on my doorstep with a cake. Just seeing her was enough for me.
3. I have been loving The Crown. I cued up episode 10 on my lunch break and will finish tonight or this weekend. I'm still a little baffled by Olivia Colman only being a couple years older than me and playing this firmly middle-aged Queen. SHE'S ONLY 46. And to be clear, she's 46 NOW so she could have been 44/45 when filming. GUYS. THAT'S MY AGE! AAAAHHHH!
4. I ordered coffee from here: https://coppercowcoffee.com/ It should be waiting for me when I get home, I ordered the lavender for my bestie and I got the PCL and the original. I shall deliver a verdict next week. Stacey reported the lavender was amazing and will be ordering more for herself.
5. Enjoying the She Reads Truth "The Fruits of the Spirit" plan....I may need to purchase more of these in 2021, we shall see: https://shereadstruth.com/plans/
6. My husband finding an adorable 12 lb turkey for us --- err me -- to cook this week, so here's my plan with T'day -- I am going to make the turkey and gravy on Weds. Then Thursday I will make all the sides so we can have Turkey Sammich Day all day. See, on my paternal side of my family (note for the audio, my parents were divorced so I basically spent all major holidays with my dad per their custody arrangement from the ages of 7-16) -- my grandparents would make Thanksgiving "Dinner" at 11. We'd all stuff ourselves and watch football and then by about 6ish we'd be feeling peckish so my Grams would bust out her 2 sandwich makers and lay out the buffet of leftovers and we could all make our own homemade hot pockets. Now I know for those who don't like their food to touch or be blended, this is a horrible concept. BUT I LOVE IT! So does my older son. So I cannot wait for my hot pocked with sweet potatoes, turkey, green bean casserole and a touch of mac n cheese......with gravy for dipping --> https://bit.ly/335R0AL
So. A T&P request. 11/22 holds a lot of weight for me. It's my mom's passing day. It was 5 years ago that my mom passed away as the sun set. I will be....in all my moods that day. And I pull out the shirt I wore that day. This very simple blue pullover long-sleeved t-shirt. It is such a simple piece of clothing. But since that day, I cannot bear to wear it any other day and I cannot bear to get rid of it. I will be very kind to myself that day. I know I will cry. I know I will be quiet. Which for me. Is rare.
And then we enter into the season of thanksgiving. I am thankful for all of you. Those I am getting the honor and privilege of knowing more and those I am learning more and more about each week. You are all blessings. Every. Single. One. Of. You.
It’s interesting to me the small things that carry such significance for us as we grieve and remember. For me, Camden Yards feels like a sacred space because it was the last place I talked to my dad on this earth. And the last birthday card he sent me was the most precious thing that I ended up getting a tattoo of part of his message, in his handwriting.
I will be thinking about you and praying for you on Sunday ❤️
I have a tattoo of my mom's handwriting as well. It's from a note she gave me on a photo album she made me many years ago. I got it a few years ago and its sometimes the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to sleep.
Anniversaries are so hard. Distance hugs and prayers for that hard day.
You gave me flashbacks to spending Thanksgivings with my dad, where we would stay in a hotel and eat at Shoney’s or Denny’s or sometimes McDonald’s. Interesting times, lol.
I just purchased the She Reads Truth Advent guide, and I have been a purchaser of their stuff in the past. I really like that there aren't anyone else's thoughts about what I'm reading---I get to read and decide what it means for myself. And the extra pages to write some prayers/thoughts.
I'm all about a turkey sandwich with many layers and many parts. Have you tried making the sandwich and then popping it in a grill pan to make a panini-type situation (or a George Foreman, if you still have one)? It might be hard with the Mac and cheese, but you could do a slice of cheese instead to get the melty goodness.
You've got my Ts & Ps, girl. Days where we remember loss are some of the hardest days of all, I think. Trying to make sense of the love and happiness a person brought to you in the midst of feeling so sad about their absence is weird. But..I applaud you for already giving yourself space to feel your feels and making a plan for how you'll mourn.
I totally love Thanksgiving for the Sides. And while I realize I can make them any old time I really love certain ones ONLY at Thanksgiving. To eat them any other time of the year feels downright bizarre.
Thank you dear friend for Sunday. Hug all your boys for me.
T&Ps for you this weekend Mel. I love that you keep the tradition of wearing the blue pullover, It's a nice way to honor the hurt that you went through that day and to celebrate your mom.
Thank you for our Dms today. They have meant so much to me. This Miss Melly loves you Miss Lily. (Made it through the first half of GWTW this afternoon!)
Happy Saturday from the the upside down land of Australia. Sad to report that Covid still exists, and no, things are not okay. Though, I mean, we’re sort of okay. Can I tell you a story before I share some treasures?
Most of Australia has very few Covid cases going on. Most days zero, which is pretty spectacular. South Australia (which is a creatively named state on the south side of Australia, we’re so clever) had 17 cases, a bunch of which they couldn’t work out the spreading of, so they panicked and they went into lockdown for six days to try and get rid of the unknown community transmission.
Turns out, some dude just forgot he had worked a shift at a pizza restaurant and he was kinda the one that spread the virus along with the pizza sauce. So, lockdown is ending in three days instead of six.
Poor dude. Just wanted to make pizza in peace.
All that to say, things are less intense here and I’m still not okay. Yesterday I lay paralysed on the couch watching The Crown and crying every now and then because of a bunch of things. Then I watched Princess Switch (the new one) and I must know how much Hudgo (can I call Vanessa Hudgens that? Too Aussie?) got paid for the glorious mess that is that movie. Better be a lot. It didn’t help much but at least my mind escaped immediate sads.
Onto some culinary treasures, which I’m working towards being my niche in this Swipeland. But I don’t know if it’ll happen.
I made this gingerbread syrup the other day because Starbucks is an hour away and I need to have my Christmas coffee:
Verdict is that it’s good! It thickens up, tastes both sweet and spicy. I need to get some whipped cream to finish the illusion and make a latte. But the syrup is a win.
It’s. The. Best. I would bathe in it if it for sure wouldn’t lead to an infection down there. It’s so good. Lemons are in season here so I’m all about them.
Unrelated to all this. I’m working on a Santa photo set right now and it’s both delightful and scary. A 90 year old woman with demensia wept because she was afraid Santa wouldn’t come this year and she just missed job. What a beautiful honest lady.
A man yelled at me because he couldn’t sit next to Santa. Because covid. And that wasn’t the best.
This is making me think of the lemon drop martini at Cheesecake Factory. Also Trader Joe’s has a decent lemon bar in the freezer that I just discovered. Yum.
Meanwhile my state of Minnesota we has 6812 reported today.
My town? My town of about 5000 people? Over 10% have tested positive since they started tracking Covid data. JUST in November we have gone from 293 cases to ..... (goes to the dashboard I have bookmarked for my county) 552. JUST THIS MONTH!
I have such Covid anxiety its out of control some days.
Currently my boss is on a call because they are talking about making my workplace a site for mandatory 2x a week saliva testing. My boss (a covid denier who had it this summer) says if that's the case and we find we are all negative, that we should not have to wear masks anymore at work.
Yeah.
I'm SO grateful I have a week off from this place, you have no idea.
I'm so sorry. Not any better here... although I've gotten anal and was looking at the data for my specific neighborhood of Seattle (facepalm - not good for anxiety) but at least my neighborhood is doing somewhat better compared to other parts of the city. BUT I also live in the wealthier part of the city and the south part of the city where lower income people tend to live has been hit much harder and I know it's because they likely don't work at supportive workplaces. :(
Lovely 🙄 I haven’t even looked at my county lately since the school district decided it didn’t really matter for five days face to face. Do you mind me asking what county?
I look at things here, and then see the counts elsewhere and it feels like we live in a different world and it makes my stomach churn and makes me want to invite people to live here instead but I can’t because our borders are shut to keep the covid out and ugh.
In short: I’m sorry. Y’all deserve better leadership in government and workplaces that freak out over 17 cases, rather than ignore thousands. Come here when you can. It’s nice.
Oh I would love it! BOOK MY FLIGHT NOW JEEVES! Jeeves? Crap. I dont have a butler. ;) But truly. The way your country and neighbor NZ seemed to manage it? Why couldn't our country manage something where we all mutually respect each other and do what we can for the greater good? Oh wait. Looks at current national leader. Silly me.
I’m glad I live where I do and super thankful for our leaders. It also helps that we’re a pretty spread out nation - to get from one capital city to the next you’re looking at at least four hours drive, and most of the time, ten or more hours. It’s harder for things to spread.
Our nationwide cases have benefitted from being spread out because if there’s a cluster in Melbourne (which there was), they shut borders until that chills the heck out.
I just checked our numbers and we’re at 5 new cases today across the country and I’m on the bus to work crying a little because you all shouldn’t be stuck in this mess and I want to teleport you here please.
Oh the tantrums I want throw! On Monday I thought “look at me having a good week!” Then laughed out loud when I remembered it was Monday.
We’ve survived our first dramatic teenage break up, Autumn basically dehydrated from crying. But she only instead on wedging her teenage body in between her dad and I in our bed once. So that’s something.
We also cleared one hurdle in our son Denver’s case and have no more until January. I have decided to look at it as a break instead of having it loom over us.
Our little guys turn 5 and 3 this month and are currently good friends who punch each other every morning.
They got a big combo birthday gift of a big trampoline and I’m baking cupcakes in ice cream cones for their covid bubble party.
While I feel like the actual definition of “broken down” and “poor in spirit” I some how keep moving. Guys, I lost one of my contracts for work which normally wouldn’t crush but it’s a loss of $600 a month. Again I’d just hustle up normally grab a new one and keep on going. But there is no hustle to be had. Really what I want is to desperately sit in a pedicure chair, let someone pamper me but not talk to me! I just can’t bring myself to do it cause money. Which sucks!!
My board of information quotes are getting sassier and saucier like my mood! I’m one grump day away from swearing on the board!
Y’all are the delight of my Friday’s and such a lovely way to usher into my weekend. Let me leave you with the little prayer I gave to Mel G and Jillian this morning.
Sarah, thank you. The quotes crack me up, I entertain myself at least!
My other kids go in a boy/girl order so having two of the same gender is new for me. Man, it’s a thing!! The first 20 minutes of every morning are a toddler brawl! But a joyous one so it makes no sense to me.🤎
That prayer made me laugh out loud. I'm glad your son's case gets a break. I worked for a forensic psychologist for a while and I know (no matter what the details are), if one of those overpriced guys are involved (which you mentioned a couple weeks ago)...there's nothing quick about what's happening. I've said prayers for your family over the last few weeks, and I hope you get some respite in these coming weeks.
While it's not at all the same thing, I made the mistake of going into Target to return something with alllll its cute holiday stuff when our disposable income with 3 kids in daycare is essentially $0. It was so painful to be there. So I empathize with just wanting a dang pedicure but nope.
All the feels for teenage breakups. I remember feeling like the world would never be okay again. I’m glad she feels safe to curl up between you guys, though. That’s special stuff.
Sorry to hear about work contract. That’s the worst and if you need do curl up and weep with the teenager I think that’s okay. Call it solidarity. She won’t know better.
Thank you🤎 While she was crying I made the mistake of saying that while I didn’t exactly understand her feelings because I had never been been broken up with, her dad had been dumped loads of times. So he may have words of wisdom. Neither one of them appreciated my words. But I’m telling ya I was running out of comforting words!!! I actually didn’t date that much so that’s why, not because I’m great!
I'm not a particularly great story teller so I'm just going to lay down some facts that I hope will either provide you with some 2020 coping skills or at least give you a solid chuckle:
-I got divorced in this fine year. I was/am much more angry about it than I am sad.
-My work BFF Shelby has helped me through the hard in many ways - one of of which was telling this: -When she and her siblings were teenagers, her parents decided to sell everything and become missionaries in Zambia. Her siblings didn't love the idea and were particularly vocal about it during a garage sale while they watched folks carry off all their possessions. Her mom had had enough of their Sads so she gave them some porcelain figurines that weren't even garage sale worthy and told them to go around to the side of the house and throw them at the house and watch them shatter. It seemed to bring some level of relief to the siblings. That made me laugh.
- Shelby left our workplace for another job and that legitimately gave me the Sads on top of my divorce Mads. To make up for it, she invited me to the grand re-opening OF THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM. If that doesn't pull someone out of the SAD/MADs I don't know what will!!!???!! ha She got me to show up by telling me she was also bringing me a gift from her mom to help me with my Mads.
-SO, in the parking garage of the Holocaust Museum, Shelby gave me a bag from her mom - yes, full of country blue, quilted patterned, porcelain reindeer THAT SHE HAD TAKEN from her own dementia stricken aunt's house specifically to give TO ME so I could shatter them against MY house for some anger relief.
I die laughing thinking about all the hilarious nuances to that story!!!! Anyway, if you're looking for some Sad/Mad relief - find something that shatters and throw it full force at some brick. It's very therapeutic. And if you have the Divorce Mads, might I suggest some of your wedding china (that maybe you got from Target because you were 21 when you got married).
I'm an Enneagram 9. Don't mess with our anger. Lol
Your Shelby is a gift from the Lord; so glad you have her! And as a fellow 9, I can attest to the anger when it finally arrives in full force. Smash that shiz, friend.
This story was great! I am so happy you had Shelby to be a support for you! Also somehow the phrase “her own dementia stricken aunt’s house” made me laugh.
I can also confirm breaking things is incredibly therapeutic!! When I was in junior high, my dad had an affair and my parents divorced. My mom somehow learned that my dad’s girlfriend had the same plates that we did (??), so she called my sister and I into the garage, turned on Greek music and let us throw the plates on the ground and shatter them. After getting over the shock of what was happening, it was such a stress reliever! Whenever any of us are going through a tough time, we say “want to go smash plates?”
Married at 21, can confirm Target dishes. Definitely putting this anger strategy in my back pocket, but I’m a little sad we live on the west coast where nothing is made of brick.
For fellow spoonies, check out @thefaintingcouch on Insta. Hilarious memes centered in fine art about chronic illness. Lots of Jane Austen meme reposts as well in stories.
Sarah Bessey mentioned this in her newsletter: a YouTube project called the CommonHymnal, if you are looking for Worship Music That Doesn’t Suck™️.
Also, watch Avatar: the Last Airbender. Uncle Iroh will make you feel better.
My favourite thing right now is watching The West Wing. My friend lent it to me and I've never watched it before. There is something so comforting about the music, the politics and politicians who actually feel like they care. It's so heartwarming and Martin Sheen can deliver an inspirational speech that I could to give a standing ovation to from my cozy spot in bed. The things they tackle are so relevant despite the age of the show that you'd think we'd have figured some stuff out by now. May not be for everyone right now but old is better than current for me at the moment. I just want the comfort blanket of the familiar. See also Full House, Fresh Prince, Golden Girls, and In Living Colour (I watch this every year while wrapping presents! lol Tradition!)
Also, check out Will Smith's latest tiktoks from the HBOMax reunion. So heartwarming.
I started watching TWW this year, too! Almost every episode I am kinda sad the political issues ARE THE SAME 20+ YEARS LATER. But whatever. It's a great show.
Love The West Wing! I love going back to old shows. ER has been my think since watching it on Hulu, and I feel so much the same about a lot of it. Something that happened 20 years ago shouldn't be quite so relevant.
I’m surprisingly not sinking into the abyss this week, probably because thanksgiving with my in-laws’ extended (openly racist) family is canceled and I can stop checking for election results. Not-so-small mercies!
My treasures:
-my 1 yr old finally cut some more teeth and is turning out to be a delightful little human.
-my 94 yr old grandma hasn’t caught covid! She lives with my parents and is my last living grandparent. She’s TOUGH and also A DELICATE LADY
-the Bachelorette recaps. I don’t watch the show but now I kinda want to bc the recaps are so great.
I don't know how to read a twitter thread and that makes me sad.
First time commenter here. Hope this wasn’t posted already, but this delight (in small doses) has been my laugh track this week. See links in the description to jump to your favorite song & I’m not offended if you absolutely hate it! 😂
Hamilton, but it’s Muppets: https://youtu.be/zZzDP-vQXao
I’m really thankful for this email and while it seems so simple to say things are hard, it really helps to see another person say/write it. I work full time and am working on my MBA in the evenings so my brain is basically mush by the time I get to wind down. I’ve taken to re-reading the Harry Potter series and I have lost count of how many times I’ve been through the 7 books this year but I’m pretty sure we are in the teens at this point. I know it sounds weird but the theaters are closed so this form of escapism will have to do. Seriously- 10/10 recommend rereading something you read in a simpler time.
I started re-reading the HP series this spring too and it’s been wonderful!
Gosh I just love this newsletter. Love reading through all of the comments too. Going to be brief because I am ready for bed, but... a list:
1. Yes to adult temper tantrums. I got so frustrated with my boss at work (we still work from home), that I politely said “can you hold on for just a second?”, put my call on mute, screamed some profanities and then crushed my plastic blue light blocker glasses. Then went right back to our call. It was incredibly therapeutic. Highly recommend breaking something!
2. I took ALL WEEK off work next week and I am so excited for a true break from it. Virtual working feels like you never really disconnect, but I am going to do my absolute best not to log in at all until 11/30.
3. Speaking of, I’m also cooking a VERY small Turkey Day meal for my little family. This meme perfectly describes how I am taking on that task:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHs8WV7lzkN/?igshid=1s96ni6m9t4ac
4. Finally - as an example of people not taking COVID seriously or using religion to claim it’s not serious... my (very naive but sweet) MIL asked me recently if we would be getting the vaccine. This was before any of the trial results were made public, so I said “I’m not sure yet.” And her reply killed me. She said she talked to her friend Dorothy (who is part of Kenneth Copeland’s prosperity preaching cult), and her friend said “Diann you don’t need a vaccine because you’re covered in the blood {of Christ}.” And I looked at her and said “but didn’t you get the coronavirus??” 🙄🙄🙄🙄 I cannot. Cannot.
It’s gonna be a real struggle to regain a poker face when working from an office again. WFH makes it easy to release frustration without being seen!
Seriously! Going to have to control my eye rolls, sighs, and frustrated fist pounds before we go back!
That meme sent me to the moon 😂
Also, yes, so over my church friends saying we were not given a spirit of fear, we are covered in the blood, etc. Yes, those things are true, but I don’t really want to tempt God with reckless behavior. It’s so frustrating.
Yes! I want to remind those folks that Jesus also said to love thy neighbor (aka not recklessly walk around and potentially infect them with a deadly disease), but I am afraid I would come off to snarky. It’s tough.
Well, covid took over my grandpa nursing home. They've had zero patients get covid this whole time, last Wednesday my grandpa tested positive and he passed away Tuesday. They were up to 65 cases on Tuesday. FROM ZERO TO 65 IN 6 DAYS! I'm crushed, heartbroken, we couldn't be with him, we haven't seen him in eight months, it's just a nightmare. Planning some kind of service in the midst of a pandemic is another kind of nightmare I don't wish on anyone either.
I'm in a bubble of grief and this little newsletter brought me a few moments of light so thank you.
Oh, Shawna. I am heartbroken with you. Praying for you and your family in the weeks to come.
Shawna, I am heartbroken. I have no words. Thank you for sharing with us, and I am praying for peace and comfort.
Oh, Shawna. I am so sorry you are having to walk through this nightmare. Praying you have the space to grieve exactly like you need to.
Shawna I am so very sorry for your family. Sending so much love to cover you all in this heartbreaking time.
I am so sorry about your grandpa, Shawna. It’s not fair at all. Praying for you.
I’m so sorry! Praying for extra peace and comfort right now!!!
I’m with Erin, I’m starting to get very ragey. It’s Extra frustrating that the “deniers” are saying “well that’s in a nursing home”. Suddenly the sanctity of life doesn’t count, nor the grief and loss and stress of making arrangements much less in the midst of a pandemic. Sorry about my rant... my grandmother passed away in her nursing home last month due to Covid. We were supposed to see her back in April but couldn’t. It’s hurtful and irresponsible to downplay all this pain.
Shawna, my heart is breaking for you and your family. What a terrible thing to happen and to go through right now.
Shawna, I’m so incredibly sorry. I know there is nothing I can say that will make it better, but hopefully you can get a little bit of relief/distraction from the comments.
Happy Friday, Li'l Swipes!
I am coming at you from my bedroom where my four year old son and I are each on our own screens and have been for hours. What are screen-time limits? I do not know them nor do I want to at this juncture, thank you and goodnight. (I feel like I should pause here to mention that my son's name is Fitz--short for Fitzwilliam, after Mr. Darcy. Yes, I'm that person.)
Erin, I'm so feeling your newsletter this week. Nothing specific has been a turd this week. It's just the combined pressure chamber that is the world right now. We are not meant to live with this kind of pressure long term. Pardon me while I scream an obscenity into my pillow.
Any other bookworms having a weird reading year? I so want to take all this at-home time and disappear into book-land, but I'm finding it really hard to focus on stories. Then occasionally I'll hit a point where I read three books in a week.
Treasures: Uhhhh....I really need to track these so I don't come to these and have nothing to type.
- My daughter memorizing Last Christmas on car rides with her dad and singing it all the time. It's adorable, and now she understands what an earworm is, lol.
- It's been reasonably chilly at times this week, which I really enjoy living in SC. It makes me feel less bad for staying inside. (I probably do need to try those stupid walks. But I really do hate exercise unless it's in a gym and I can use it as an excuse for solo tv watching/podcast listening.)
- Internet friends. I have a handful of friends from around the globe who all met because of being nerdy friends of a tv show, and now we just chat on a discord about life. I met one of my closest friends this way and it's nice to have friends who I can't really grow more distant from due to a pandemic since we can't really see each other in person anyway.
- My Friends DVDs are down from the attic since it's no longer on Netflix, and I am ready for the yearly rewatch of all the Thanksgiving episodes.
That's all I've got! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Oh Friends episodes are such a comfort to me and I have all of the DVDs too! I know what I’ll be doing this week!
It’s been a horrible reading year! I’ve always been a die hard physical book person, but I do have the kindle app on my phone. A few weeks ago, I bought a kindle book on sale that would be a frivolous read and forgot about it. This week, while scrolling on my phone on the couch, I remembered the book and just opened the app. It sounds horrible but maybe since I’m used to just being on my phone, the fact that the book was on my phone made it more accessible to my 2020 brain? I finished it in two days and I’m on to another so hopefully this will keep me out of the rut
I am very pro Kindle *and* physical books! They both have value and make your reading life more convenient and rich!
I use my Kindle Paperwhite all the time, but maybe the simplicity of reading on my phone is what my brain needs to trick it into interest! I will try that.
I need the Friends Thanksgiving eps so bad right now. They are some of the best!
They are! I’ve been texting quotes back and forth with my brother ever since pulling them out.
This is why I have read so many mindless YA books this year and absolutely no non-fiction.
Same!
I’m glad it’s not just me! Even what should be comfort reads are taking much longer.
I feel so seen with the anger that people are still denying this. My kids small, private Spanish immersion school has decided masks are optional for students and staff despite it being a state mandate. I found out on Wed. that a teacher who had been in my son's class is sick with covid and has been for 6 days. We were told 6 days later! I talked to the director and had to say we are pulling out if they don't start requiring masks. Turns out she doesn't believe in masks. I feel bad because my son's teacher is amazing and takes covid very seriously, but if the school itself doesn't I feel like we can't keep going there. Every little thing is just so freaking hard!
On to treasures-
I loved Dash & Lily on Netflix. I needed a day of mindless fun!
We broke our normal rule of no Christmas before Thanksgiving and the lights are giving me life!
I finished up my Christmas shopping today and having one less thing to think about it so nice.
Ugh, I am so sorry about your child's school! :( No amount of twinkle lights and Netflix holiday shows can fix that, but it helps a little!
Your anger is valid. Virtual school/homeschool has been hard for us, but we’ve also had some really great moments too. Hoping that the good will outshine the bad for you!
That’s very frustrating about your school. It’s so hard to find a place that meets your needs, so to lose that now would be incredibly hard.
I have one turd and one treasure...
Turd: There's been a weird influx of anti-mask people in the coffee shop I manage this week. Like...refuse to put one on when asked kindly and offered one, then berate the barista who enforces rules they don't make or have control over, and ultimately forcing us to ask them to leave. It's exhausting and makes me terribly sad for my community and like....humanity? Thankfully I have a kick a## enneagram 8 barista who doesn't feel like he's going to puke and cry at the same time who has been handling it. (side note: I would love to get him a gift to thank him for what he's been putting up with but I don't know what 20 year old boys like if any of you have suggestions I would be forever grateful!)
Treasure: I bought a tube of Pillsbury grands cinnamon rolls and I ate them for all 3 meals the other day and can I say....it was glorious. My future doctor and dentist appointment are going to suck but that's for future Joy to deal with. (along with my car ac that I decided to ignore until it's hot enough again to care........future Joy is going to be pissed.)
I had popcorn and wine for dinner last weekend so I approve of cinnamon roll day!
Cinnamon rolls are the best meals. They’re good for the soul. Just floss and brush well, and you’ll be fine 😜
You could always do just a Visa gift card and that way he can choose how he wants to spend it. Also, I completely support your choice to eat cinnamon rolls all day. Food is comfort, no matter what diet culture will tell you---and if this is the comfort you needed, I say have at it! :)
An XBox gift card? A gift card to his fave restaurant? Pay for his Netflix for a month? Love the idea of honoring him like that!
Hey all!
I'm masked, I'm at my desk and I'm late to the commenting because -- well work has been a whole mess messy mess and this week has been beyond nutter butters when I'm here.
But just a couple hours and I don't have to physically be in the building for a whole week!
LIFT THOSE PRAISE HANDS UPPPPP!
So my mix of comments for the past week....
1. I completely my Charity Miles goal of reaching 1,135 miles for 2020. That is about a 5k a day if I had made it last all year, but because I'm me there were days I went 4-6 miles and that helped tick miles down that much faster. I started my year doing indoor workouts and being on a treadmill at the office but then Covid stopped that, so was I literally running in my garage? YEP! then all spring/summer/fall I earned them outside (I was doing less running because my hips and back were not having it) -- but a 4-6 mile walk is still an accomplishment to me! I'm trying to determine a goal for 2021. We'll see what I end up determining.
2. I turned 44. YAY for middle age! I ate a lot of food -- my husband gave me a costco pack of meat (lol). So many dear Friends and family reached out so I felt very loved this go around the sun. I got food from one of my favorite fast casual chains here in MN : https://www.nafnafgrill.com/ I love me some middle eastern leaning food. I also got Vietnamese and 2 different cakes. One was delivered by my dearest Auntie who I haven't seen since February. She works in health care and health care education. We talk and text and video message one another. But she is just spent. Seeing her on my doorstep with a cake. Just seeing her was enough for me.
3. I have been loving The Crown. I cued up episode 10 on my lunch break and will finish tonight or this weekend. I'm still a little baffled by Olivia Colman only being a couple years older than me and playing this firmly middle-aged Queen. SHE'S ONLY 46. And to be clear, she's 46 NOW so she could have been 44/45 when filming. GUYS. THAT'S MY AGE! AAAAHHHH!
4. I ordered coffee from here: https://coppercowcoffee.com/ It should be waiting for me when I get home, I ordered the lavender for my bestie and I got the PCL and the original. I shall deliver a verdict next week. Stacey reported the lavender was amazing and will be ordering more for herself.
5. Enjoying the She Reads Truth "The Fruits of the Spirit" plan....I may need to purchase more of these in 2021, we shall see: https://shereadstruth.com/plans/
6. My husband finding an adorable 12 lb turkey for us --- err me -- to cook this week, so here's my plan with T'day -- I am going to make the turkey and gravy on Weds. Then Thursday I will make all the sides so we can have Turkey Sammich Day all day. See, on my paternal side of my family (note for the audio, my parents were divorced so I basically spent all major holidays with my dad per their custody arrangement from the ages of 7-16) -- my grandparents would make Thanksgiving "Dinner" at 11. We'd all stuff ourselves and watch football and then by about 6ish we'd be feeling peckish so my Grams would bust out her 2 sandwich makers and lay out the buffet of leftovers and we could all make our own homemade hot pockets. Now I know for those who don't like their food to touch or be blended, this is a horrible concept. BUT I LOVE IT! So does my older son. So I cannot wait for my hot pocked with sweet potatoes, turkey, green bean casserole and a touch of mac n cheese......with gravy for dipping --> https://bit.ly/335R0AL
So. A T&P request. 11/22 holds a lot of weight for me. It's my mom's passing day. It was 5 years ago that my mom passed away as the sun set. I will be....in all my moods that day. And I pull out the shirt I wore that day. This very simple blue pullover long-sleeved t-shirt. It is such a simple piece of clothing. But since that day, I cannot bear to wear it any other day and I cannot bear to get rid of it. I will be very kind to myself that day. I know I will cry. I know I will be quiet. Which for me. Is rare.
And then we enter into the season of thanksgiving. I am thankful for all of you. Those I am getting the honor and privilege of knowing more and those I am learning more and more about each week. You are all blessings. Every. Single. One. Of. You.
Be well,
Be kind,
Keep being lightbringers and helpers,
Mel
Happy birthday and much love to you <3
It’s interesting to me the small things that carry such significance for us as we grieve and remember. For me, Camden Yards feels like a sacred space because it was the last place I talked to my dad on this earth. And the last birthday card he sent me was the most precious thing that I ended up getting a tattoo of part of his message, in his handwriting.
I will be thinking about you and praying for you on Sunday ❤️
I have a tattoo of my mom's handwriting as well. It's from a note she gave me on a photo album she made me many years ago. I got it a few years ago and its sometimes the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to sleep.
Can’t wait to hear the glory of your sammich, and you know I’m around on 11/22 💙💙
Will be making turkey on Weds so the sandwiches can begin!
Anniversaries are so hard. Distance hugs and prayers for that hard day.
You gave me flashbacks to spending Thanksgivings with my dad, where we would stay in a hotel and eat at Shoney’s or Denny’s or sometimes McDonald’s. Interesting times, lol.
I only had a Shoney's experience when my dad and I had a roadtrip from MN to Texas when I was 13. I thought it was the coolest place ever!
I just purchased the She Reads Truth Advent guide, and I have been a purchaser of their stuff in the past. I really like that there aren't anyone else's thoughts about what I'm reading---I get to read and decide what it means for myself. And the extra pages to write some prayers/thoughts.
I'm all about a turkey sandwich with many layers and many parts. Have you tried making the sandwich and then popping it in a grill pan to make a panini-type situation (or a George Foreman, if you still have one)? It might be hard with the Mac and cheese, but you could do a slice of cheese instead to get the melty goodness.
You've got my Ts & Ps, girl. Days where we remember loss are some of the hardest days of all, I think. Trying to make sense of the love and happiness a person brought to you in the midst of feeling so sad about their absence is weird. But..I applaud you for already giving yourself space to feel your feels and making a plan for how you'll mourn.
We use this for our sandwiches: https://bit.ly/335R0AL
It makes like pocket sandwiches
I really do like the guide I got from SRT, I see future books/studies of theirs in my future.
Thank you for your kind words Karen. *heart*
Thinking of you and your mother this weekend. I pray for a day of peace to remember and honor her.
Thank you so much (big ol heart emoji)
So thankful for you, Mel! I'll be thinking about you on 11/22. ❤️
Thank you so much. Thank you for all you do for us. :)
I fully support turkey sandwich day because turkey is the least good part of thanksgiving food so its way better mixed with all the other good foods.
And I will be thinking of you Sunday 💕
I totally love Thanksgiving for the Sides. And while I realize I can make them any old time I really love certain ones ONLY at Thanksgiving. To eat them any other time of the year feels downright bizarre.
Thank you dear friend for Sunday. Hug all your boys for me.
T&Ps for you this weekend Mel. I love that you keep the tradition of wearing the blue pullover, It's a nice way to honor the hurt that you went through that day and to celebrate your mom.
Thank you Britany....(hugs)
I am so grateful for you Dana. :)
Thank you for our Dms today. They have meant so much to me. This Miss Melly loves you Miss Lily. (Made it through the first half of GWTW this afternoon!)
https://youtu.be/i51gcWCs-Ho
This short video from my religious leader provided a lot of clarity and comfort on how to move forward amid the suck, and there is so much suck.
Happy Saturday from the the upside down land of Australia. Sad to report that Covid still exists, and no, things are not okay. Though, I mean, we’re sort of okay. Can I tell you a story before I share some treasures?
Most of Australia has very few Covid cases going on. Most days zero, which is pretty spectacular. South Australia (which is a creatively named state on the south side of Australia, we’re so clever) had 17 cases, a bunch of which they couldn’t work out the spreading of, so they panicked and they went into lockdown for six days to try and get rid of the unknown community transmission.
Turns out, some dude just forgot he had worked a shift at a pizza restaurant and he was kinda the one that spread the virus along with the pizza sauce. So, lockdown is ending in three days instead of six.
Poor dude. Just wanted to make pizza in peace.
All that to say, things are less intense here and I’m still not okay. Yesterday I lay paralysed on the couch watching The Crown and crying every now and then because of a bunch of things. Then I watched Princess Switch (the new one) and I must know how much Hudgo (can I call Vanessa Hudgens that? Too Aussie?) got paid for the glorious mess that is that movie. Better be a lot. It didn’t help much but at least my mind escaped immediate sads.
Onto some culinary treasures, which I’m working towards being my niche in this Swipeland. But I don’t know if it’ll happen.
I made this gingerbread syrup the other day because Starbucks is an hour away and I need to have my Christmas coffee:
https://www.anediblemosaic.com/gingerbread-spice-syrup-for-homemade-gingerbread-lattes/?cn-reloaded=1
Verdict is that it’s good! It thickens up, tastes both sweet and spicy. I need to get some whipped cream to finish the illusion and make a latte. But the syrup is a win.
This lemon butter:
https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/lemon-curd-20111018-29wiz
It’s. The. Best. I would bathe in it if it for sure wouldn’t lead to an infection down there. It’s so good. Lemons are in season here so I’m all about them.
Unrelated to all this. I’m working on a Santa photo set right now and it’s both delightful and scary. A 90 year old woman with demensia wept because she was afraid Santa wouldn’t come this year and she just missed job. What a beautiful honest lady.
A man yelled at me because he couldn’t sit next to Santa. Because covid. And that wasn’t the best.
Wish me Christmas luck. I need it.
I'm quite excited about that syrup. Thanks for posting it!
Poor pizza guy.
I think the whole state hates him. I hope his pizza wizardly makes up for it.
Me too!
I looooove lemon curd. Why is it so good?
I could eat a whole jar of lemon curd by the spoonful.
It’s impossibly bright and zesty and it’s hard to feel sad when you’re eating it.
It’s spreadable sunshine.
I don’t want to shock you but I make a cocktail with lemon curd. It’s so pretty and yummy!
This is making me think of the lemon drop martini at Cheesecake Factory. Also Trader Joe’s has a decent lemon bar in the freezer that I just discovered. Yum.
I want this.
Tell me more.
Limoncello, topped with a candied lemon slice, then top that slice with a heaping spoon of lemon curd. It’s so good and brunchy!
Ooooooh. I want this.
17 cases.
I'm sorry
I'm stuck on that
Meanwhile my state of Minnesota we has 6812 reported today.
My town? My town of about 5000 people? Over 10% have tested positive since they started tracking Covid data. JUST in November we have gone from 293 cases to ..... (goes to the dashboard I have bookmarked for my county) 552. JUST THIS MONTH!
I have such Covid anxiety its out of control some days.
Currently my boss is on a call because they are talking about making my workplace a site for mandatory 2x a week saliva testing. My boss (a covid denier who had it this summer) says if that's the case and we find we are all negative, that we should not have to wear masks anymore at work.
Yeah.
I'm SO grateful I have a week off from this place, you have no idea.
That syrup sounds AMAZING.
I'm so sorry. Not any better here... although I've gotten anal and was looking at the data for my specific neighborhood of Seattle (facepalm - not good for anxiety) but at least my neighborhood is doing somewhat better compared to other parts of the city. BUT I also live in the wealthier part of the city and the south part of the city where lower income people tend to live has been hit much harder and I know it's because they likely don't work at supportive workplaces. :(
I’m stuck on that too. We’re averaging over 1,000 every day in SC, with a daily positive rate of about 15%.
I’m so sorry about the boss situation. That sucks big time.
I'm so frustrated with our state. I found out yesterday that our county has the highest rate of positives per 100,000 people in SC. Go us. :\
Lovely 🙄 I haven’t even looked at my county lately since the school district decided it didn’t really matter for five days face to face. Do you mind me asking what county?
We’re in Pickens. So not even a crowded county.
ah - I'm in Lexington
Because if you're all negative that ONE DAY at work, you'll be good forever. Makes sense. 😆
THANK YOU! I mean yeah. that math, totally checks right? LORT.
It blows my mind too.
I look at things here, and then see the counts elsewhere and it feels like we live in a different world and it makes my stomach churn and makes me want to invite people to live here instead but I can’t because our borders are shut to keep the covid out and ugh.
In short: I’m sorry. Y’all deserve better leadership in government and workplaces that freak out over 17 cases, rather than ignore thousands. Come here when you can. It’s nice.
Oh I would love it! BOOK MY FLIGHT NOW JEEVES! Jeeves? Crap. I dont have a butler. ;) But truly. The way your country and neighbor NZ seemed to manage it? Why couldn't our country manage something where we all mutually respect each other and do what we can for the greater good? Oh wait. Looks at current national leader. Silly me.
Better get a Butler then book those flights!
I’m glad I live where I do and super thankful for our leaders. It also helps that we’re a pretty spread out nation - to get from one capital city to the next you’re looking at at least four hours drive, and most of the time, ten or more hours. It’s harder for things to spread.
Yeah I wish spread out works but then look at North and South Dakota... states where population is SUPER low but there are a ton of cases.
Our nationwide cases have benefitted from being spread out because if there’s a cluster in Melbourne (which there was), they shut borders until that chills the heck out.
I just checked our numbers and we’re at 5 new cases today across the country and I’m on the bus to work crying a little because you all shouldn’t be stuck in this mess and I want to teleport you here please.
I'm gonna write a song that just asks the question "What is wrong with everyone?" over and over again.
I think Barney the big purple dinosaur sings that song!!
This made me laugh right out loud.
Hey y’all hey!!
Oh the tantrums I want throw! On Monday I thought “look at me having a good week!” Then laughed out loud when I remembered it was Monday.
We’ve survived our first dramatic teenage break up, Autumn basically dehydrated from crying. But she only instead on wedging her teenage body in between her dad and I in our bed once. So that’s something.
We also cleared one hurdle in our son Denver’s case and have no more until January. I have decided to look at it as a break instead of having it loom over us.
Our little guys turn 5 and 3 this month and are currently good friends who punch each other every morning.
They got a big combo birthday gift of a big trampoline and I’m baking cupcakes in ice cream cones for their covid bubble party.
While I feel like the actual definition of “broken down” and “poor in spirit” I some how keep moving. Guys, I lost one of my contracts for work which normally wouldn’t crush but it’s a loss of $600 a month. Again I’d just hustle up normally grab a new one and keep on going. But there is no hustle to be had. Really what I want is to desperately sit in a pedicure chair, let someone pamper me but not talk to me! I just can’t bring myself to do it cause money. Which sucks!!
My board of information quotes are getting sassier and saucier like my mood! I’m one grump day away from swearing on the board!
Y’all are the delight of my Friday’s and such a lovely way to usher into my weekend. Let me leave you with the little prayer I gave to Mel G and Jillian this morning.
“May Jesus be near and the bitches be far. Amen.”
🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎
That prayer! It's going in my journal immediately. So sorry about the contract. Much love to you!
A-fucking-men
Exactly!!
WHEW WHAT A WEEK
I shared your prayer with friends and we all agree it's what we need right now.
I’m thrilled! I cannot for the life of me understand why my husband won’t let me preach!
I am stealing this prayer.
And teenage breakups are so hard. But I also only had one ex (who was terrible), so I’m there with you on not having a lot of helpful words!
I’m so sorry about the work contract. That’s rough and sometimes things just suck and require a wallow day. ❤️
Erin, your board of information quotes are a delight each day.
Also "currently good friends who punch each other every morning" also describes my 3 boys.
I'm so sorry about the work contract!
Sarah, thank you. The quotes crack me up, I entertain myself at least!
My other kids go in a boy/girl order so having two of the same gender is new for me. Man, it’s a thing!! The first 20 minutes of every morning are a toddler brawl! But a joyous one so it makes no sense to me.🤎
That prayer made me laugh out loud. I'm glad your son's case gets a break. I worked for a forensic psychologist for a while and I know (no matter what the details are), if one of those overpriced guys are involved (which you mentioned a couple weeks ago)...there's nothing quick about what's happening. I've said prayers for your family over the last few weeks, and I hope you get some respite in these coming weeks.
It’s fine if things move slow, because my emotions could use the beak!
Maybe we should write a Bible study with that prayer as the title?!?
oof Sounds like a lot. I'm sorry for all the stress. I'm thankful for the prayer; man it is speaking to me today.
It is a lot! But the fact that everyone has a lot going on and that we are all doing our best helps. 🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎
Amen!
Erin I am screaming over this prayer. 😆
We did too at 8am 😂 a true delight
While it's not at all the same thing, I made the mistake of going into Target to return something with alllll its cute holiday stuff when our disposable income with 3 kids in daycare is essentially $0. It was so painful to be there. So I empathize with just wanting a dang pedicure but nope.
It’s the dumbest things that often send me over the dang edge!
At least you had a good Monday, I suppose.
All the feels for teenage breakups. I remember feeling like the world would never be okay again. I’m glad she feels safe to curl up between you guys, though. That’s special stuff.
Sorry to hear about work contract. That’s the worst and if you need do curl up and weep with the teenager I think that’s okay. Call it solidarity. She won’t know better.
Thank you🤎 While she was crying I made the mistake of saying that while I didn’t exactly understand her feelings because I had never been been broken up with, her dad had been dumped loads of times. So he may have words of wisdom. Neither one of them appreciated my words. But I’m telling ya I was running out of comforting words!!! I actually didn’t date that much so that’s why, not because I’m great!
That prayer. I'm telling you. It has helped me today more than you know. I love you friend.
Love you!!
My BFF had never seen them before but they are the best for little kids!
I'm not a particularly great story teller so I'm just going to lay down some facts that I hope will either provide you with some 2020 coping skills or at least give you a solid chuckle:
-I got divorced in this fine year. I was/am much more angry about it than I am sad.
-My work BFF Shelby has helped me through the hard in many ways - one of of which was telling this: -When she and her siblings were teenagers, her parents decided to sell everything and become missionaries in Zambia. Her siblings didn't love the idea and were particularly vocal about it during a garage sale while they watched folks carry off all their possessions. Her mom had had enough of their Sads so she gave them some porcelain figurines that weren't even garage sale worthy and told them to go around to the side of the house and throw them at the house and watch them shatter. It seemed to bring some level of relief to the siblings. That made me laugh.
- Shelby left our workplace for another job and that legitimately gave me the Sads on top of my divorce Mads. To make up for it, she invited me to the grand re-opening OF THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM. If that doesn't pull someone out of the SAD/MADs I don't know what will!!!???!! ha She got me to show up by telling me she was also bringing me a gift from her mom to help me with my Mads.
-SO, in the parking garage of the Holocaust Museum, Shelby gave me a bag from her mom - yes, full of country blue, quilted patterned, porcelain reindeer THAT SHE HAD TAKEN from her own dementia stricken aunt's house specifically to give TO ME so I could shatter them against MY house for some anger relief.
I die laughing thinking about all the hilarious nuances to that story!!!! Anyway, if you're looking for some Sad/Mad relief - find something that shatters and throw it full force at some brick. It's very therapeutic. And if you have the Divorce Mads, might I suggest some of your wedding china (that maybe you got from Target because you were 21 when you got married).
I'm an Enneagram 9. Don't mess with our anger. Lol
Your Shelby is a gift from the Lord; so glad you have her! And as a fellow 9, I can attest to the anger when it finally arrives in full force. Smash that shiz, friend.
This story was great! I am so happy you had Shelby to be a support for you! Also somehow the phrase “her own dementia stricken aunt’s house” made me laugh.
I can also confirm breaking things is incredibly therapeutic!! When I was in junior high, my dad had an affair and my parents divorced. My mom somehow learned that my dad’s girlfriend had the same plates that we did (??), so she called my sister and I into the garage, turned on Greek music and let us throw the plates on the ground and shatter them. After getting over the shock of what was happening, it was such a stress reliever! Whenever any of us are going through a tough time, we say “want to go smash plates?”
It seems that Greek music is the absolute most perfect backdrop for this scene. Oh man. Life is weird!!
Shelbys mom knows what's up. Solidarity from a fellow 9 ✊🏽
Aw, I love Shelby!
This is great.
Happy smashing!
Wow! We all need a shelby in our lives!
THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL STORY! Shelby sounds like an angel.
I am here for this story, this friendship and smashing ornaments on the house.
The details of this story are *chef's kiss*
Honestly, yes, a masterpiece. Here with ya in the SMADS
Married at 21, can confirm Target dishes. Definitely putting this anger strategy in my back pocket, but I’m a little sad we live on the west coast where nothing is made of brick.
Get it girl!!!!
Treasures:
For fellow spoonies, check out @thefaintingcouch on Insta. Hilarious memes centered in fine art about chronic illness. Lots of Jane Austen meme reposts as well in stories.
Sarah Bessey mentioned this in her newsletter: a YouTube project called the CommonHymnal, if you are looking for Worship Music That Doesn’t Suck™️.
Also, watch Avatar: the Last Airbender. Uncle Iroh will make you feel better.
My favourite thing right now is watching The West Wing. My friend lent it to me and I've never watched it before. There is something so comforting about the music, the politics and politicians who actually feel like they care. It's so heartwarming and Martin Sheen can deliver an inspirational speech that I could to give a standing ovation to from my cozy spot in bed. The things they tackle are so relevant despite the age of the show that you'd think we'd have figured some stuff out by now. May not be for everyone right now but old is better than current for me at the moment. I just want the comfort blanket of the familiar. See also Full House, Fresh Prince, Golden Girls, and In Living Colour (I watch this every year while wrapping presents! lol Tradition!)
Also, check out Will Smith's latest tiktoks from the HBOMax reunion. So heartwarming.
Who is your favorite WW character? I'm a LemonLyman myself.
I just watched the LemonLyman episode 🤣 I'm a CJ gal myself.
I'm a big Rob Lowe fan but I definitely identify with CJ. So many levels. Lol
I started watching TWW this year, too! Almost every episode I am kinda sad the political issues ARE THE SAME 20+ YEARS LATER. But whatever. It's a great show.
Love The West Wing! I love going back to old shows. ER has been my think since watching it on Hulu, and I feel so much the same about a lot of it. Something that happened 20 years ago shouldn't be quite so relevant.
Look for that West Wing reunion after you hit Hartsfield’s Landing!
I’m surprisingly not sinking into the abyss this week, probably because thanksgiving with my in-laws’ extended (openly racist) family is canceled and I can stop checking for election results. Not-so-small mercies!
My treasures:
-my 1 yr old finally cut some more teeth and is turning out to be a delightful little human.
-my 94 yr old grandma hasn’t caught covid! She lives with my parents and is my last living grandparent. She’s TOUGH and also A DELICATE LADY
-the Bachelorette recaps. I don’t watch the show but now I kinda want to bc the recaps are so great.
We have no time for openly racist in laws! Happy for you and these awesome treasures!