So January, am I right? Thank y’all for your prayers and good vibes to my grandmother. She did great and is feeling so much better. She sounds like a different person, and we’re so grateful. I’m doing a lil Q+A on the ‘gram in Stories this morning about Lent and
I moved Thursday! All my "things" have been in storage since 12/24/19! I've spent the last year living with fam.
It was like Christmas opening all the boxes and seeing what was inside! It was cool to show my boyfriend that I do in fact own things like pictures and plates too!!
Obsessed w/ this IG @thefoldinglady
I wont actually fold anything like she does because I'm uncoordinated! BUT, watching the folding relaxes me!
Pretty exhausted from the move. Looking forward to unpacking and making my home!
Congrats Angie! I so feel this comment. Most of my "things" have been in storage since June 2019. I've been living in "temporary" housing as I was waiting on a new construction condo, that blew up in August and decided to take my "temporary" living sitch to Chicago and follow my dreams. Someday I'll get to unpack real plates, use my reading chair again and display my pictures. 💕💕
Has anyone ever floated the idea of moving the inauguration to, like, the third Saturday in January or something so normal people with day jobs can watch it? The only one I've ever been able to watch live was in...2017, because I was living in England and time zones are a thing, and boy was that depressing. Amanda's poem was like those occasional, really good sermons where you can't take notes fast enough. Can't stop thinking about it.
I'm almost finished with my first-ever viewing of Star Trek Enterprise, and I can't figure out why anyone ever thought it was a bad show. It's great Star Trek! I'll just imagine that they were saving all the good Hoshi stories for season 5.
We've had a student in the clinic this week and she has been an absolute delight. And she's got another week to go with us!
Justice for Hoshi! All the old shows (TOS-ENT) and most of the movies are available on a variety of streaming services. The new shows are only on CBS All Access, and yes, I do pay for this strictly for the unfettered access to Star Trek.
Hi friends! What a week it’s been! I started a job at the beginning of the month and this week, I finally felt like I was settling in. The starts of anything are always challenging for me so the hints of familiarity and comfort were gifts.
I loved so much about Wednesday but I have to say my favorite parts of the day was Amanda Gorman and then the Inauguration Day event they hosted. I didn’t know how much I needed those fireworks at the end, so beautiful!
I am starting to look for an apartment here and everything is so expensive! It’s been discouraging but I’m trying to keep my hopes up. If anyone has ninja skills at finding great and affordable apartments, let me know!
Treasures from the week:
✨ all the Bernie memes. God bless the internet.
✨it was 40 degrees and sunny today. In the northeast, that’s basically a spring day. I’ll take it!
✨I interviewed for another job at the cutest home decor store today. The boss was the most encouraging and kind and she said valuing her employees was her biggest priority. I immediately knew this was a place I’d love to work.
OH. I forgot two very important treasures this week: Michelle Obama’s pantsuit 😍😍😍
Have you seen the creator Celinaspookyboo on Tik Tok? She sleep walks and records it every night and I have laughed out loud several times watching her videos.
So thankful for a new page to be turned this week. It has been such a sense of relief. President doesn't feel like a dirty word anymore, but I will have to adjust to not have to gird my loins when President comes up in conversation!
Treasures: I listened to The Last Battle performed (if an audiobook says performed by, I have learned it means one is in for a treat) by Patrick Stewart, it did my heart good. C.S. Lewis fills me with so much hope. There was a quote I keep thinking about that feels applicable for the moment we have been in: "You see,” says the Lion, “they will not let us help them. They have chosen cunning instead of belief. Their prison is only in their own minds, yet they are in that prison; and so afraid of being taken in that they cannot be taken out.” As I struggle to understand those who have been caught up in lies, this quote helps me.
I also watched Bridgerton this week, and as an anglophile, of course, I adored it. Simon. So pretty.
What did y'all feel about the reveal at the end? I just kept saying, WHAT?! WHAT?!
My frustrating art pieces are still in the works, the lemon piece is coming along, but my other one I have been distracted coloring old family photos (think old couple photos in black and white with a really bright muralled wall in the background). That has been fun and I am receiving some postive feedback which is always nice.
I think since the New year I've been struggling with how desperately everyone wants to turn the corner on all this mess we're dealing with. I want it too...and getting past the inauguration was one of those corners for me. I know it doesn't mean that everything is fixed but WE. MADE. IT. My brother in law is a Secret Service agent and was in DC for the inauguration with just about every single other available protective law enforcement or military person. I'm relieved that it was uneventful. Some people in my family who have stayed loyal to Trump through a lot of mess did change positions after the insurrection. And I'm thankful for that.
Another treasure for me yesterday was seeing Fauci so happy. Did you see him gushing joy and happiness? Gosh darn it made me want to cry.
I started a new tradition in my family I'm calling brunch church. We still don't really have in person church here so we are listening to a sermon as a family and enjoying brunch. And if any of you have some great brunch ideas, please share.
The Bernie memes are the greatest. I know some people are getting tired of them already and I'm trying not judge them for being killjoys.
My oldest is really struggling with school...it just continues to be hard to do this weird way we are doing school because of the virus. I want to hope that it will be different next year. But I honestly don't know what we are facing in terms of being able to turn things around. Obviously I have hope with the new administration and because what else can I do?
I love the idea of brunch church! I don't have the link, but if you Google Pioneer Woman baked french toast...man, it's so good. One of my favorite brunch dishes. And you can make it the night before!
After the longest 4 years/2 weeks of my life I finally feel like I can actually think instead of feeling flooded all the time. I was talking with a friend and she said that she had her "mental bandwidth back" to which I concurred. Then I promptly had a tension headache that led to tears and I thought to myself "Why are you crying right now? You should be happy!" I decided to let go of the shoulds and just let myself cry.
Good Things:
-being part of the first garden planning meeting for work!
-Kamala, Dr. Jill, Michelle, Hillary for their roles in history and their amazing outfits.
-All the Bernie memes. :) And now his friend, Janet Yellin (LOVE THEM) :)
That inauguration. Michelle's pantsuit. Amanda's poetry. The grownups are back in charge. I know things aren't fixed and Biden is in no way our savior, but my stress level has decreased significantly.
The past few weeks I haven't chimed in because I've been in survival mode.
- Work has been in crisis mode (we did a big ol' site update and people have been losing their collective minds at us and I work in communications so trying to communicate to people to CALM.DOWN.) and I worked all through last weekend and have been working most evenings after the babies are in bed. I want to take time off soon but I don't know when that can happen.
- We had to say good bye to our dog a two weeks ago and the house feels so empty and my toddler daughter keeps asking about him. :(
- I am struggling with some deep resentment and bitterness toward a friend who I have felt like has not prioritized our friendship. I blame covid, honestly, for a lot of friendship issues because we can't meet in person to talk things through. Just another reason covid can SUCK IT.
Well that wasn't positive. But it is Friday and it's sunny here in Seattle. And we're having fajitas tonight.
Erika, survival mode is not for the faint of heart. Glad you had enough of a reprieve to make it to the newsletter and comments. Proud of you for showing up just as you are, and wishing you some peace, resolution and levity SOON. Praying comfort for your heart as you grief the furry member of your family.
Erika, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog. The looming feeling that something is missing - it's so tough. And yes - COVID has made maintaining friendships so stupid hard. I'm with you on that one. Enjoy those fajitas, girl, and soak up that vitamin D. ❤️
Oh man, can we all just give a nice slow clap for this week and that we made it?
Like for real.
90s/early 00s super cliche slow clap together.
I'll start.
*clap...............clap.........clap*
(sees you all clapping gives a big ol cheesy thumbs up)
Didn't that feel good?
Okay, so quick treasures
1. Everyone I communicated to this week. In any way. If I tossed you a story reply, a DM, a MP, a email, a text. Every one of you are amazing and impacted me in some way great or small. It's valued. It's seen. It's a small practice of love that I really appreciate.
2. Negative covid test streak continues. Awww yeaaaah (ala Obama on Jimmy Fallon)
3. Powerful women doing powerful things -- sometimes, this is just all of us getting through a day, a week, a moment -- and then of course all the women we saw on Weds -- making me feel like my bones and soul are stronger.
4. The Pack on PrimeVideo. It's Amazing Race + dogs. It's amazing. Watch it.
5. Being able to follow The White House again on Twitter. Being able to watch the news and not feel as much blind insane white hot rage.
6. Getting my FitBit year in review and seeing I walked nearly 2500 miles. Like dang, I did that y'all. Almost 5,800,000 steps. Like come on!
7. Anything for Selena podcast. I mentioned this last week, mentioning it again. It's so good
Next week Linc goes back to full-time all-person every day school. It starts Tuesday. I'm really struggling with this. Mainly because they aren't requiring any of the staff of the schools to get tested. They don't have to adhere by the same rules of social distancing. Masks are still required...but county case counts are not a factor in this decision. This all is gnawing at me. I pretty much had to step aside and let Lincoln and my husband make this choice because my husband is WFH probably until maybe summer and we did talk to our 8 year old to hear his opinions. He was all "Well the governor says its safe for us to be there, he wouldn't lie right? It's safe right?" (cue my logic based heart just crumbling) Minnesota has been pretty firm on its regulations-- but our county? ehhh yeah.
So I'm struggling with this because I have all my feelings, but because I can't be home to carry more, its really not something I can scream from the rooftops about. Blergh.
So please. Help ease my screaming 8 heart about all this stuff.
Erin: The Teen Bible. I screamed laughed and showed a colleague and he's like "I wasn't cool enough to get that version" and I cackled "ME EITHER!!!" -- *chef's kiss*
And the toner? SPOT. ON. I feel seen.
Using this sign off again as it will keep being my mantra...
We also just got the email about Max going back mid February in a hybrid schedule. Soooooo yeah. And again, they don't require teachers or staff at the schools to be testing. That is what really concerns me.
Like 2500 miles, how did that happen? I think about our messenger exchanges this summer/fall when I was on some of the stupid walk this summer. TURKEYS! ALBINO SQUIRRELS!
Oh Mel. Prayers for you and Linc and the return to school full time. It's so heavy to feel like what should be a simple decision is tangled in so many emotions and what ifs.
Isn't it just the worst that we still have to fumble around making decisions about the safety of our kids, ourselves, everyone? Lord, have mercy. Will be thinking about you and praying for you and your fam as you move into this. You got this, friend.
It’s been a long, but short week. Anyone else feel that? Lots of family disagreements, such as my dad up and deciding to eat out last night. We’ve just kinda avoided talk about the inauguration. (But, I was home alone for a while on Wednesday and did a LOT of happy dancing.) I got to help take one of my church grandma’s to PT on Monday. She’s such a precious soul. She had surgery last week and needs help with grocery shopping. However, she HATES not being independent. The whole time was me saying “You don’t have to do that, you only have one good arm! I’m here to help!!!”. It was fun to watch her learn to accept help. I could learn a lesson from that. But will I? For sure no. I don’t really have any virtual treasures this week, other than the fact that I heard the phrase “MADAM Vice President” this week. Such a joy. Also, my little brother. Family stuff has been weird lately. Weird and hard. Me and my brother usually don’t get along super well. We’re a little like oil and water. Over the last several weeks, we’ve actually grown a lot closer. We’ve learned how to get along and we actually enjoy each other’s company. He’s still an obnoxious middle school boy, but we’re figuring it out!
Good for you Riley! For helping the church grandma, and for working on your relationship with your brother. Family relationships can be the hardest of all, but you're doing the work.
Remind me: is this your senior year? Are you back to school in person?
I had a church grandma who lovingly supported me as if I was one of her own all the way through college. I called her Grandma Ruth and to this day she remains a formative figure in my life...decades later. I hope those relationships run deep and sweet for both you and them!
I love that! My dad started assistant pastoring a small church when I was about 11 and I’ve ended up with about four church grandmas. I’m closer to some than others, but I feel so blessed to have them all!! I’m finishing my junior year! I haven’t shared much about school on here, but I’ve actually been enrolled in a virtual public school since Kindergarten! I did the first nine weeks in a brick and mortar, but it just wasn’t a good fit. Now that I’m older, I realize that I was having the five year old version of panic attacks every day. All of the various drills scared the bajeebers out of my tiny self. The idea that I had to be prepared for armed intruders, tornadoes, and fires completely overloaded my wee brain. My mom also claims I was too smart for my own good, so I was bored with the homework. But, I’m not so sure about that...😂 Over the last few years, I’ve had major issues with anxiety and recently realized that I’ve apparently always struggled with anxiety, I just have a name for it now. People have always thought that my family was crazy to do school online, but we just did it before it was cool!😂
Any and all connections made with siblings in those years will go very far as you/they age. Especially when you reach out during tough seasons. I'm still learning that!
Thank you for the encouragement! It’s all too easy for me to get frustrated with him and hole up in my room. I hadn’t thought about the long-term piece of it!💕
This week was better than last. Our Covid tests came back negative (*caveat—see below, lol), kids have been fine.
Treasures:
The inauguration 😭 I didn’t realize exactly how much I’ve wanted to see a woman sworn into office. And how much it now makes me want to watch one sworn into the HIGHEST office.
Reading The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street with my kids and my daughter being super into it.
Someone commented a little snippily on my inauguration post, but I took several breaths and called on all my Pantsuit Politics memories and the Holy Spirit and responded with what I hope was grace and nuance. Several more conservative friends liked my response, though the original commenter didn’t, so hopefully I succeeded.
Our naughty puppy, Finley, has decided that my husband is his person, and that if I come to sit on the couch with my husband, I have stolen his spot, regardless of where in the house Finley is at the time. He and I now have nightly standoffs where he comes to claim my husband’s lap by pushing me off the couch with snuggles and kisses and shoves. It is hilarious.
Turds: I love my kids, but having them home 24/7 is a situation. For all of us.
Kids went back to school Wednesday...then I got a call Thursday afternoon that my daughter was short of breath and (obviously), I had to pick her up and get her tested again. So we are again awaiting results. I am afraid of Covid and also starting to fear that she is getting later onset asthma. I have adult onset asthma and she sounded just like me in the midst of a minor attack when I picked her up. 😢
It’s good to be here again. I love reading through all of your posts.
Praying your test results are negative again! And kudos to you for taking those deep breaths and responding to that commenter with grace. Jesus, Beth, and Sarah have been preparing us for moments like those. 😂❤️ Also, your puppy. Oh my gosh. What a hoot!
This was the longest week of my life, am I right? So happy the weekend is right around the corner. Work has been insane, and thankfully bumble BFF, deep dish pizza and Stupid Walks thru the park have gotten me through the wilderness... somehow I made it thru... 🎤
🎧Binging Podcast: Britney's Gram- deep diving into Britneys IG thanks to these ladies, and since I'm a completionist - still going thru 2018 episodes before her dad makes her cancel her residency and 5150's her. (yes, I'm using this as a verb).
🏈FNL: 3 episodes remain in S4 and I'm in love with Michael BAE Jordan and Jess' dad. Also, hey guy from the Wire!! So fun to see characters cross into other shows that I've watched. Sad that I'm over the halfway point of episodes remaining and am gearing up for the end.
🍹Margaritas: I need a good at home Marg recipe. Anyone have any? The easier, the better for this lady.
(Hopefully the link works. I’m such an old person with technology now, ever since I hit 35 it’s like I immediately turned into my mother.) Anyway, guys I’ve been talking about this indoguration ceremony all week! He’s the first shelter pet in the White House! They said it’s a ‘wags to riches’ story. Y’all I can’t!! 😭😭❤️
The sun! I'm in Sweden and the weather has been awful lately but yesterday the sun came out for a bit in the afternoon and I was honestly bewildered at first. Then it immediately cheered me up! Where in London are you?
In the northeast, near Epping Forest. We’ve only been here a little over a month. The plan was to apply to go back to France (France is closed to Americans but it’s where we lived for almost 10 years, we just happened to be in the US for a year when Covid hit 😖) but now England is in crisis and now we’re stuck in England until the virus gets better. We’re in lockdown at the moment, but we’re hoping that soon it’ll get better 🤷♀️ (I’m going with ridiculous optimism, it’s maybe a lie but less soul crushing)
Yes, I remember when you were in the US trying to get back to France but I didn't realize you'd been in London that long. How frustrating. I'm praying you'll be able to go back soon! (I've spent a lot of time in London, that's why I asked where you were. But I don't know the northeast very well at all...) I'm loving the ridiculous optimism and I hope you'll get a lot more sunshine! ☀😎
Hi all! Longtime lurker, first time commenter here.
🇺🇸 I spent a lot of time laughing at inauguration memes this week, and I’m just so thankful to feel free to laugh at political things again. Not that I haven’t been laughing in the last 4 years, but this is less of a “laughing because if I don’t I’ll cry” moment and more of a “laughing because things are actually funny” moment. It’s kinda nice. Also this tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJwoFLQD/
😌 I’m not sure why, but this video was recommended to me by YouTube last night. Have I ever listened to ASMR on YouTube? Nope. Did I immediately fall asleep to this like a little baby? Yep. It reminded me of taking a nap on the couch at my grandparents house growing up. Pure bliss. https://youtu.be/UxjPuxBVZ_Y
🤍 That’s all I got today. Have a great Friday everyone!
What a week. I'm still processing Wednesday and while I know Joe Biden and Kamala aren't a fix all it does feel like an exhale of relief. I think Erin's husband was 100% right, it feels like the parents are home. I did not expect to be so emotional about the Inauguration, but I cried and sniffled through the beginning part of it and my daughters were deeply concerned. I tried to explain to them that my whole life I've been told I can be what ever I want, I've told them they can grow up to be whatever they want, but their has always been an unspoken parenthetical about things that were only roles for old, white, men. The installation of Madame Vice President makes that parenthetical start to fade. I had an appointment at noon so I had to listen to the live stream while in route for part of it. The only thing that kept me from sobbing with relief and hope was that I had to stop by my parents house pre-appointment and to say that they are not happy with the results of the election might be an understatement. I just don't understand the level of fear they have attached to the results. It is heartbreaking. And I cannot fathom how on earth they think the alternative would have been better they didn't raise us to accept the kind of behavior we have seen for the last for years...it's just ugh! Okay that is enough words about that.
Let's talk treasures
* I have wanted a pink streak in my hair FOR-EVER and have never done it because I have A) always been a super rule follower B) the professional workplace was not a fan of crazy colored hair. But I'm living the stay at home mom life and I can do what I want! So now I have pink hair and it makes me unreasonably happy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKR6xRxHx5c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
* Marco Polo is a treasure! A treasure I tell you!
* Finally had time to spend with my Chrissy Tiegan Hungry For More Cookbook and it's hilarious (which sounds like a strange description of a cookbook, but trust me) and I put 4 of the recipes on the meal plan for next week!
You know, in relation to what you said about your parents- I think there is a generation that grew up very indoctrinated to fear ANYTHING that even smelled remotely like socialism (think red scare/Cold War). So when people equate the democratic party with socialism, it brings out this ingrained fear. (even when it's not true). I also think some people for whatever reason are able to dissasociate political policy from moral character and...yeah. I can't explain it, but I see it around me for sure. Anyway. Ts and Ps in that area. It's tough.
Always and forever loving your hair. SO FREAKING GOOD, LAUREN. Also, your thought on how "they didn't raise us to accept the kind of behavior we've seen" - oh my goodness yes. 100% yes.
Heyyy alll!
Kamala! Bernie memes! What a week!
I moved Thursday! All my "things" have been in storage since 12/24/19! I've spent the last year living with fam.
It was like Christmas opening all the boxes and seeing what was inside! It was cool to show my boyfriend that I do in fact own things like pictures and plates too!!
Obsessed w/ this IG @thefoldinglady
I wont actually fold anything like she does because I'm uncoordinated! BUT, watching the folding relaxes me!
Pretty exhausted from the move. Looking forward to unpacking and making my home!
Congrats Angie! I so feel this comment. Most of my "things" have been in storage since June 2019. I've been living in "temporary" housing as I was waiting on a new construction condo, that blew up in August and decided to take my "temporary" living sitch to Chicago and follow my dreams. Someday I'll get to unpack real plates, use my reading chair again and display my pictures. 💕💕
FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS! I love to hear it!!! You will get there!!!! And it will be worth it!
YES!!!! ❤
Has anyone ever floated the idea of moving the inauguration to, like, the third Saturday in January or something so normal people with day jobs can watch it? The only one I've ever been able to watch live was in...2017, because I was living in England and time zones are a thing, and boy was that depressing. Amanda's poem was like those occasional, really good sermons where you can't take notes fast enough. Can't stop thinking about it.
I'm almost finished with my first-ever viewing of Star Trek Enterprise, and I can't figure out why anyone ever thought it was a bad show. It's great Star Trek! I'll just imagine that they were saving all the good Hoshi stories for season 5.
We've had a student in the clinic this week and she has been an absolute delight. And she's got another week to go with us!
For real!!!! I’ve never been able to watch and it makes me sad.
Is Star Trek streaming anywhere? 💗
Justice for Hoshi! All the old shows (TOS-ENT) and most of the movies are available on a variety of streaming services. The new shows are only on CBS All Access, and yes, I do pay for this strictly for the unfettered access to Star Trek.
Hi friends! What a week it’s been! I started a job at the beginning of the month and this week, I finally felt like I was settling in. The starts of anything are always challenging for me so the hints of familiarity and comfort were gifts.
I loved so much about Wednesday but I have to say my favorite parts of the day was Amanda Gorman and then the Inauguration Day event they hosted. I didn’t know how much I needed those fireworks at the end, so beautiful!
I am starting to look for an apartment here and everything is so expensive! It’s been discouraging but I’m trying to keep my hopes up. If anyone has ninja skills at finding great and affordable apartments, let me know!
Treasures from the week:
✨ all the Bernie memes. God bless the internet.
✨it was 40 degrees and sunny today. In the northeast, that’s basically a spring day. I’ll take it!
✨I interviewed for another job at the cutest home decor store today. The boss was the most encouraging and kind and she said valuing her employees was her biggest priority. I immediately knew this was a place I’d love to work.
Can’t wait to read about everyone’s treasures!
OH. I forgot two very important treasures this week: Michelle Obama’s pantsuit 😍😍😍
Have you seen the creator Celinaspookyboo on Tik Tok? She sleep walks and records it every night and I have laughed out loud several times watching her videos.
So thankful for a new page to be turned this week. It has been such a sense of relief. President doesn't feel like a dirty word anymore, but I will have to adjust to not have to gird my loins when President comes up in conversation!
Treasures: I listened to The Last Battle performed (if an audiobook says performed by, I have learned it means one is in for a treat) by Patrick Stewart, it did my heart good. C.S. Lewis fills me with so much hope. There was a quote I keep thinking about that feels applicable for the moment we have been in: "You see,” says the Lion, “they will not let us help them. They have chosen cunning instead of belief. Their prison is only in their own minds, yet they are in that prison; and so afraid of being taken in that they cannot be taken out.” As I struggle to understand those who have been caught up in lies, this quote helps me.
I also watched Bridgerton this week, and as an anglophile, of course, I adored it. Simon. So pretty.
What did y'all feel about the reveal at the end? I just kept saying, WHAT?! WHAT?!
My frustrating art pieces are still in the works, the lemon piece is coming along, but my other one I have been distracted coloring old family photos (think old couple photos in black and white with a really bright muralled wall in the background). That has been fun and I am receiving some postive feedback which is always nice.
On to the weekend!
That quote! So good.
Lewis. What a guy. So grateful for his giftedness with words.
I feel I need to buy all these things
Rose Apothecary!!
https://beekman1802.com/collections/rose-apothecary?utm_campaign=01%2F22%2F2021%20%7C%20RA%20Vday%20Gift%20Guide%20%28VDAkJX%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=1%2F22%2F21%20email%20send&_ke=eyJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIk1IWXZxdiIsICJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJtZWxsZW1vQGdtYWlsLmNvbSJ9
Why do I want this lip balm so badly?
Right? Also, I love a good tote bag!
I think since the New year I've been struggling with how desperately everyone wants to turn the corner on all this mess we're dealing with. I want it too...and getting past the inauguration was one of those corners for me. I know it doesn't mean that everything is fixed but WE. MADE. IT. My brother in law is a Secret Service agent and was in DC for the inauguration with just about every single other available protective law enforcement or military person. I'm relieved that it was uneventful. Some people in my family who have stayed loyal to Trump through a lot of mess did change positions after the insurrection. And I'm thankful for that.
Another treasure for me yesterday was seeing Fauci so happy. Did you see him gushing joy and happiness? Gosh darn it made me want to cry.
I started a new tradition in my family I'm calling brunch church. We still don't really have in person church here so we are listening to a sermon as a family and enjoying brunch. And if any of you have some great brunch ideas, please share.
The Bernie memes are the greatest. I know some people are getting tired of them already and I'm trying not judge them for being killjoys.
My oldest is really struggling with school...it just continues to be hard to do this weird way we are doing school because of the virus. I want to hope that it will be different next year. But I honestly don't know what we are facing in terms of being able to turn things around. Obviously I have hope with the new administration and because what else can I do?
Brunch church, I love it!
I love the idea of brunch church! I don't have the link, but if you Google Pioneer Woman baked french toast...man, it's so good. One of my favorite brunch dishes. And you can make it the night before!
Thanks - I will look for that one!
what a lovely idea! Brunch church <3
Fauci being happy is such a gift.
After the longest 4 years/2 weeks of my life I finally feel like I can actually think instead of feeling flooded all the time. I was talking with a friend and she said that she had her "mental bandwidth back" to which I concurred. Then I promptly had a tension headache that led to tears and I thought to myself "Why are you crying right now? You should be happy!" I decided to let go of the shoulds and just let myself cry.
Good Things:
-being part of the first garden planning meeting for work!
-Kamala, Dr. Jill, Michelle, Hillary for their roles in history and their amazing outfits.
-All the Bernie memes. :) And now his friend, Janet Yellin (LOVE THEM) :)
That inauguration. Michelle's pantsuit. Amanda's poetry. The grownups are back in charge. I know things aren't fixed and Biden is in no way our savior, but my stress level has decreased significantly.
The past few weeks I haven't chimed in because I've been in survival mode.
- Work has been in crisis mode (we did a big ol' site update and people have been losing their collective minds at us and I work in communications so trying to communicate to people to CALM.DOWN.) and I worked all through last weekend and have been working most evenings after the babies are in bed. I want to take time off soon but I don't know when that can happen.
- We had to say good bye to our dog a two weeks ago and the house feels so empty and my toddler daughter keeps asking about him. :(
- I am struggling with some deep resentment and bitterness toward a friend who I have felt like has not prioritized our friendship. I blame covid, honestly, for a lot of friendship issues because we can't meet in person to talk things through. Just another reason covid can SUCK IT.
Well that wasn't positive. But it is Friday and it's sunny here in Seattle. And we're having fajitas tonight.
Oh, that's so rough. All of it. I'm sorry and I hope you will be able to take some time off soon. Enjoy those fajitas!
Erika, survival mode is not for the faint of heart. Glad you had enough of a reprieve to make it to the newsletter and comments. Proud of you for showing up just as you are, and wishing you some peace, resolution and levity SOON. Praying comfort for your heart as you grief the furry member of your family.
So sorry things have been tough. Navigating friendships during all of this has been so dang hard. Here's to sunshine and fajitas.
So sorry about the loss of your dog Erika *hugs from miles away*
Thank you. <3
Erika, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog. The looming feeling that something is missing - it's so tough. And yes - COVID has made maintaining friendships so stupid hard. I'm with you on that one. Enjoy those fajitas, girl, and soak up that vitamin D. ❤️
Thank you. I can't wait for normal social interactions <3
All these things are so tough. I’m sorry that you’ve been in survival mode. Sunshine and fajitas sound like the perfect Friday pick-me-up
Oh man, can we all just give a nice slow clap for this week and that we made it?
Like for real.
90s/early 00s super cliche slow clap together.
I'll start.
*clap...............clap.........clap*
(sees you all clapping gives a big ol cheesy thumbs up)
Didn't that feel good?
Okay, so quick treasures
1. Everyone I communicated to this week. In any way. If I tossed you a story reply, a DM, a MP, a email, a text. Every one of you are amazing and impacted me in some way great or small. It's valued. It's seen. It's a small practice of love that I really appreciate.
2. Negative covid test streak continues. Awww yeaaaah (ala Obama on Jimmy Fallon)
3. Powerful women doing powerful things -- sometimes, this is just all of us getting through a day, a week, a moment -- and then of course all the women we saw on Weds -- making me feel like my bones and soul are stronger.
4. The Pack on PrimeVideo. It's Amazing Race + dogs. It's amazing. Watch it.
5. Being able to follow The White House again on Twitter. Being able to watch the news and not feel as much blind insane white hot rage.
6. Getting my FitBit year in review and seeing I walked nearly 2500 miles. Like dang, I did that y'all. Almost 5,800,000 steps. Like come on!
7. Anything for Selena podcast. I mentioned this last week, mentioning it again. It's so good
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/923101875/anything-for-selena
8. An excellent mid-year review.
Okay, so a T&P request
Next week Linc goes back to full-time all-person every day school. It starts Tuesday. I'm really struggling with this. Mainly because they aren't requiring any of the staff of the schools to get tested. They don't have to adhere by the same rules of social distancing. Masks are still required...but county case counts are not a factor in this decision. This all is gnawing at me. I pretty much had to step aside and let Lincoln and my husband make this choice because my husband is WFH probably until maybe summer and we did talk to our 8 year old to hear his opinions. He was all "Well the governor says its safe for us to be there, he wouldn't lie right? It's safe right?" (cue my logic based heart just crumbling) Minnesota has been pretty firm on its regulations-- but our county? ehhh yeah.
So I'm struggling with this because I have all my feelings, but because I can't be home to carry more, its really not something I can scream from the rooftops about. Blergh.
So please. Help ease my screaming 8 heart about all this stuff.
Erin: The Teen Bible. I screamed laughed and showed a colleague and he's like "I wasn't cool enough to get that version" and I cackled "ME EITHER!!!" -- *chef's kiss*
And the toner? SPOT. ON. I feel seen.
Using this sign off again as it will keep being my mantra...
Here's to staying positive and testing negative
Mel
5,800,000 steps! GIRL!
Ugh, that school situation... So tough. Praying for you!
I am SO GLAD your work sees your value. Huzzah!
Way to go getting all those miles in, Mel! Goodness!
Allllllllllllllllllllllll the t's and p's about Linc going back. :(
We also just got the email about Max going back mid February in a hybrid schedule. Soooooo yeah. And again, they don't require teachers or staff at the schools to be testing. That is what really concerns me.
I think what's so insane is how every different freaking part of the U.S. handles this differently. It's bananas.
Totes Nanners.
Like 2500 miles, how did that happen? I think about our messenger exchanges this summer/fall when I was on some of the stupid walk this summer. TURKEYS! ALBINO SQUIRRELS!
I literally lol'd when you mentioned the albino squirrels in the MP thread. I wanted to send a video and say I BARE WITNESS!!
HA HA. That squirrel day was insane. So many white squirrels running amok!
Oh Mel. Prayers for you and Linc and the return to school full time. It's so heavy to feel like what should be a simple decision is tangled in so many emotions and what ifs.
We also just got the email that Max is going back on a hybrid model starting Mid-Feb.
*deep breath* -- It's Friday, so I can allow myself to drink!
2500 miles?? Dang!! That’s amazing!!
Lincoln’s question crumbles my heart too. I wish it were that simple
Yeah, I move. I move a lot. I Stupid Walked a LOT of 2020. I plan to do more in 2021.
Isn't it just the worst that we still have to fumble around making decisions about the safety of our kids, ourselves, everyone? Lord, have mercy. Will be thinking about you and praying for you and your fam as you move into this. You got this, friend.
(And more importantly, God's got this.)
Thank you so much Hannah!!!
It’s been a long, but short week. Anyone else feel that? Lots of family disagreements, such as my dad up and deciding to eat out last night. We’ve just kinda avoided talk about the inauguration. (But, I was home alone for a while on Wednesday and did a LOT of happy dancing.) I got to help take one of my church grandma’s to PT on Monday. She’s such a precious soul. She had surgery last week and needs help with grocery shopping. However, she HATES not being independent. The whole time was me saying “You don’t have to do that, you only have one good arm! I’m here to help!!!”. It was fun to watch her learn to accept help. I could learn a lesson from that. But will I? For sure no. I don’t really have any virtual treasures this week, other than the fact that I heard the phrase “MADAM Vice President” this week. Such a joy. Also, my little brother. Family stuff has been weird lately. Weird and hard. Me and my brother usually don’t get along super well. We’re a little like oil and water. Over the last several weeks, we’ve actually grown a lot closer. We’ve learned how to get along and we actually enjoy each other’s company. He’s still an obnoxious middle school boy, but we’re figuring it out!
Good for you Riley! For helping the church grandma, and for working on your relationship with your brother. Family relationships can be the hardest of all, but you're doing the work.
Remind me: is this your senior year? Are you back to school in person?
I had a church grandma who lovingly supported me as if I was one of her own all the way through college. I called her Grandma Ruth and to this day she remains a formative figure in my life...decades later. I hope those relationships run deep and sweet for both you and them!
I love that! My dad started assistant pastoring a small church when I was about 11 and I’ve ended up with about four church grandmas. I’m closer to some than others, but I feel so blessed to have them all!! I’m finishing my junior year! I haven’t shared much about school on here, but I’ve actually been enrolled in a virtual public school since Kindergarten! I did the first nine weeks in a brick and mortar, but it just wasn’t a good fit. Now that I’m older, I realize that I was having the five year old version of panic attacks every day. All of the various drills scared the bajeebers out of my tiny self. The idea that I had to be prepared for armed intruders, tornadoes, and fires completely overloaded my wee brain. My mom also claims I was too smart for my own good, so I was bored with the homework. But, I’m not so sure about that...😂 Over the last few years, I’ve had major issues with anxiety and recently realized that I’ve apparently always struggled with anxiety, I just have a name for it now. People have always thought that my family was crazy to do school online, but we just did it before it was cool!😂
Church grandmas are so wonderful, and I love you helping her learn to accept help 😊
As someone in her 30s who is still working on her relationships with her brothers - I would see keep at it. It's important. <3
Any and all connections made with siblings in those years will go very far as you/they age. Especially when you reach out during tough seasons. I'm still learning that!
Thank you for the encouragement! It’s all too easy for me to get frustrated with him and hole up in my room. I hadn’t thought about the long-term piece of it!💕
Hi, Swipes!
This week was better than last. Our Covid tests came back negative (*caveat—see below, lol), kids have been fine.
Treasures:
The inauguration 😭 I didn’t realize exactly how much I’ve wanted to see a woman sworn into office. And how much it now makes me want to watch one sworn into the HIGHEST office.
Reading The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street with my kids and my daughter being super into it.
Someone commented a little snippily on my inauguration post, but I took several breaths and called on all my Pantsuit Politics memories and the Holy Spirit and responded with what I hope was grace and nuance. Several more conservative friends liked my response, though the original commenter didn’t, so hopefully I succeeded.
Our naughty puppy, Finley, has decided that my husband is his person, and that if I come to sit on the couch with my husband, I have stolen his spot, regardless of where in the house Finley is at the time. He and I now have nightly standoffs where he comes to claim my husband’s lap by pushing me off the couch with snuggles and kisses and shoves. It is hilarious.
Turds: I love my kids, but having them home 24/7 is a situation. For all of us.
Kids went back to school Wednesday...then I got a call Thursday afternoon that my daughter was short of breath and (obviously), I had to pick her up and get her tested again. So we are again awaiting results. I am afraid of Covid and also starting to fear that she is getting later onset asthma. I have adult onset asthma and she sounded just like me in the midst of a minor attack when I picked her up. 😢
It’s good to be here again. I love reading through all of your posts.
Haha, your dog! That's so funny.
Praying for your daughter.
Praying your test results are negative again! And kudos to you for taking those deep breaths and responding to that commenter with grace. Jesus, Beth, and Sarah have been preparing us for moments like those. 😂❤️ Also, your puppy. Oh my gosh. What a hoot!
This was the longest week of my life, am I right? So happy the weekend is right around the corner. Work has been insane, and thankfully bumble BFF, deep dish pizza and Stupid Walks thru the park have gotten me through the wilderness... somehow I made it thru... 🎤
🎧Binging Podcast: Britney's Gram- deep diving into Britneys IG thanks to these ladies, and since I'm a completionist - still going thru 2018 episodes before her dad makes her cancel her residency and 5150's her. (yes, I'm using this as a verb).
🏈FNL: 3 episodes remain in S4 and I'm in love with Michael BAE Jordan and Jess' dad. Also, hey guy from the Wire!! So fun to see characters cross into other shows that I've watched. Sad that I'm over the halfway point of episodes remaining and am gearing up for the end.
🍹Margaritas: I need a good at home Marg recipe. Anyone have any? The easier, the better for this lady.
YES JESS'S DAD!! I like season 4 a lot for both of those reasons.
Yes! Love all the new characters for this season.
My super fast margarita? Simply Limeade + tequila and a sprinkle of salt over ice or blended.
Have I had this in my Yeti mug in the summer time? YES.
this is BRILLIANT
I call it a Mom-a-rita LOL Because I can make it really fast and it dulls the edges of life.
LOVE this Mel. ❤
The Tres Agaves Marg Mix from Target is great! Just add tequila!
DONE. Can it BE any easier?? (Chandlers voice) 🤗
Hello friends!
We’re still in London, but we have actually seen the sun 2 days this week!!! I can’t tell you how much this has been a spirit boost.
Also boosting my spirits: my treasures
https://www.google.fr/amp/s/people.com/pets/major-bidens-indoguration-raises-200k-for-delaware-rescue-that-adopted-out-pup-to-joe-biden/%3famp=true
(Hopefully the link works. I’m such an old person with technology now, ever since I hit 35 it’s like I immediately turned into my mother.) Anyway, guys I’ve been talking about this indoguration ceremony all week! He’s the first shelter pet in the White House! They said it’s a ‘wags to riches’ story. Y’all I can’t!! 😭😭❤️
The sun! I'm in Sweden and the weather has been awful lately but yesterday the sun came out for a bit in the afternoon and I was honestly bewildered at first. Then it immediately cheered me up! Where in London are you?
In the northeast, near Epping Forest. We’ve only been here a little over a month. The plan was to apply to go back to France (France is closed to Americans but it’s where we lived for almost 10 years, we just happened to be in the US for a year when Covid hit 😖) but now England is in crisis and now we’re stuck in England until the virus gets better. We’re in lockdown at the moment, but we’re hoping that soon it’ll get better 🤷♀️ (I’m going with ridiculous optimism, it’s maybe a lie but less soul crushing)
Yes, I remember when you were in the US trying to get back to France but I didn't realize you'd been in London that long. How frustrating. I'm praying you'll be able to go back soon! (I've spent a lot of time in London, that's why I asked where you were. But I don't know the northeast very well at all...) I'm loving the ridiculous optimism and I hope you'll get a lot more sunshine! ☀😎
Hi all! Longtime lurker, first time commenter here.
🇺🇸 I spent a lot of time laughing at inauguration memes this week, and I’m just so thankful to feel free to laugh at political things again. Not that I haven’t been laughing in the last 4 years, but this is less of a “laughing because if I don’t I’ll cry” moment and more of a “laughing because things are actually funny” moment. It’s kinda nice. Also this tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJwoFLQD/
😌 I’m not sure why, but this video was recommended to me by YouTube last night. Have I ever listened to ASMR on YouTube? Nope. Did I immediately fall asleep to this like a little baby? Yep. It reminded me of taking a nap on the couch at my grandparents house growing up. Pure bliss. https://youtu.be/UxjPuxBVZ_Y
🤍 That’s all I got today. Have a great Friday everyone!
Coat game!! Haha welcome!!
Hooray! Welcome, welcome! YESSS COAT GAME. Gah every. single. one. = goals.
Welcome! We're happy you're here!
Hi! So happy you came out of lurking! That tiktok...nowI have #coatgame goals.
I wanted to share this little treasure I just found about making things that will outlast the current moment. I particularly loved the Leonard Woolf Planting Iris anecdote! https://austinkleon.com/2021/01/20/spend-time-on-something-that-will-outlast-them/
I loved that anecdote! Thank you for sharing.
Yes, yes, yes! My soul needed that link.
Happy Friday friends! We made it!
What a week. I'm still processing Wednesday and while I know Joe Biden and Kamala aren't a fix all it does feel like an exhale of relief. I think Erin's husband was 100% right, it feels like the parents are home. I did not expect to be so emotional about the Inauguration, but I cried and sniffled through the beginning part of it and my daughters were deeply concerned. I tried to explain to them that my whole life I've been told I can be what ever I want, I've told them they can grow up to be whatever they want, but their has always been an unspoken parenthetical about things that were only roles for old, white, men. The installation of Madame Vice President makes that parenthetical start to fade. I had an appointment at noon so I had to listen to the live stream while in route for part of it. The only thing that kept me from sobbing with relief and hope was that I had to stop by my parents house pre-appointment and to say that they are not happy with the results of the election might be an understatement. I just don't understand the level of fear they have attached to the results. It is heartbreaking. And I cannot fathom how on earth they think the alternative would have been better they didn't raise us to accept the kind of behavior we have seen for the last for years...it's just ugh! Okay that is enough words about that.
Let's talk treasures
* I have wanted a pink streak in my hair FOR-EVER and have never done it because I have A) always been a super rule follower B) the professional workplace was not a fan of crazy colored hair. But I'm living the stay at home mom life and I can do what I want! So now I have pink hair and it makes me unreasonably happy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKR6xRxHx5c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
* Marco Polo is a treasure! A treasure I tell you!
* Finally had time to spend with my Chrissy Tiegan Hungry For More Cookbook and it's hilarious (which sounds like a strange description of a cookbook, but trust me) and I put 4 of the recipes on the meal plan for next week!
* My two favorite Bernie Memes
https://www.trendsmap.com/twitter/tweet/1352056640598667265
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10219799216113238&set=a.1873788686828&type=3
Not untrue
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJTrRbbF/
I have watched this far too many times and laughed every single time (Thank you Dana)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CKTEU0iKgWS/?igshid=d6dg7nyar6tb
Have a great weekend y'all!
You know, in relation to what you said about your parents- I think there is a generation that grew up very indoctrinated to fear ANYTHING that even smelled remotely like socialism (think red scare/Cold War). So when people equate the democratic party with socialism, it brings out this ingrained fear. (even when it's not true). I also think some people for whatever reason are able to dissasociate political policy from moral character and...yeah. I can't explain it, but I see it around me for sure. Anyway. Ts and Ps in that area. It's tough.
The Ts and Ps are much appreciated.
Amanda, you hit the nail on the head. Their biggest argument through the entire campaign was 'decent into socialism'
I’m cracking up at the Texas cult. He didn’t even mention that there are official Texas editions of trucks 😂
Always and forever loving your hair. SO FREAKING GOOD, LAUREN. Also, your thought on how "they didn't raise us to accept the kind of behavior we've seen" - oh my goodness yes. 100% yes.
Whew!! Your hair is stunning! Inspired!
I'm still obsessed with your hair.
Ohhh your hair is gorgeous!!
I have said this before and I'll say this again, your hair makes you even more of a magical amazing sparkle pony!
Thank you sweet friend!