I've been in and out of the doctor's office for imaging on my upper back since I still have some lingering pain after the Great Porch Fall in May. The xrays showed a compression fracture in one vertebrae, the MRI showed that it's definitely chronic and not a result of my fall. Working theory is that it happened when I was in a car accident in college and the fall made it mad. It's a good thing I like my doctor because when he said "you were younger then so all you noticed was some lower back pain" it was like a stab straight through the heart. If anyone has any weight-bearing excercise they like, let me know. I take my dog for walks when I can, but August is the most miserable month to be outside in Texas, and I no longer have sufficient inside space for yoga.
I texted my stepmom last night and asked if she thought there was even the slightest chance of convincing my dad to get vaccinated. She said that if anyone could convince him it would be me, which frankly does not fill me with optimism. Ts and Ps as I try to gather some resources to start this project. If anyone has been able to convince their elders, please tell me your secret. I'm particularly looking for what's been effective in the "boomer with conspiracy theory leanings" demographic.
I finally had the heart to look at a calendar and count and only have TWO Saturday shifts left at my current job. Saturdays are the worst and I cannot wait to be done with them. I should probably start looking for a new job or something, but I just want to bask in being (almost) done with this one.
I wonder if you might be able to sit down at a computer with your dad and talk with him about where his information is coming from. Look up his sources together and see what kind of backing they have. Come prepared with info about what types of medical sources are/are not reliable. Ask lots of questions and see if he can come to some clearer conclusions by himself (with your help/listening ears). You’re never going to convince him with conversations, but you might with concrete data/sources.
I sent him a big email last night with some sources trying to address what I knew some of his concerns to be i.e. here's why it's not sketchy that it got approved so fast, here's why ivermectin is probably not a miracle cure. I also talked about why I felt comfortable getting it ASAP based on my scientific background and my reasons for getting it at all. He's at least willing to look through all of it. I'm not really expecting to change his mind, so if I do it'll be a pleasant surprise and if I don't at least I can say I tried.
The Post-Olympics Depression (P.O.D.) has sunk in. These were some precious treasures. My heart is so heavy from the callous family and “friends” in my life. They can sure tell you everything the cable news personalities say every night, but they haven’t asked about my kids since June.
This newsletter comment section is my Number One Treasure. (Most weeks, really.) You guys remind me that I’m not alone in my sadness, anxiety, fear, and anger. And you all bring something special to my heart, whether life hacks or shared grumbles or encouragement or Tik Toks… I’m grateful for it all! Love Love Love you!
Amongst the Yuck of Life and general feel-bads this week, I very much enjoyed watching last night’s Field of Dreams baseball game. My Yankees lost in a Hollywood ending, but it was the best reminder of my love for the game and of nostalgia for good times. We’re going to rewatch the movie now, of course. And maybe aaaallll the baseball flicks. I’m reminded that I need to schedule moments of joy for myself in the midst of this challenging ::ahem:: “unprecedented“ season.
I’m also on a learning spiral of the Fair Play concept that Lindsay shared this week: see her “Div of Labor” highlight on https://instagram.com/lindsaystadter.
I don’t have anyone who can share the household tasks, but I’m very inspired to make the exhaustive list for myself. I need to see everything at a glance so I can stop swirling it around my brain. Lindsay shared a comic about “mental load” and it RESONATES. Since my mom’s health decline I’ve felt less and less on top of things just because I’ve never had to be responsible for another person. Having to learn these skills in my 50s is a challenge! The idea of writing down every tiny responsibility is right in my wheelhouse; I need to free up that mental load just to find my center again. Lindsay, you’re a lifesaver for sharing that this week!
"I wuv you Snickers." Oh man. I may watch that 79 times this afternoon. Well, according to my journal, my week has been a mix of sad, tired, angry, more sad, more tired, and a little bit good. I don't have many Internet treasures, but this week I have been thankful for a few things:
- Morning exercise - This isn't super fancy. It is literally a Yoga with Adrienne video under 15 minutes and a round of bodyweight exercises (jumping jacks, squats, wall pushups, and sit-ups). I am suuuper stressed and suuuuper weak. This is less about setting PRs, and more about just spending 20 minutes in the morning trying to move my body. It has taken 4 weeks, but this morning I was able to do 50 jumping jacks,10 sit-ups and 15 of everything else. And while the physical benefits are small, right now, it is making a HUGE difference to my mental health. That plus a Stupid Walk, and I'm finding more peace.
- My SM break is paying off. For 3 evenings in a row, I was able to sit in the breeze and just read a book and take in the sunset vibez without compulsively reaching for my phone. And now in the mornings I grab my journal instead of doomscrolling. I know I am missing things like that cute little Snickers video, but I may never go back.
Those are probably my highlights. Like so many of you I am weary. I feel like my #vaxxedandwaxed summer got stolen from me. Hospitalizations in my neck of the woods are skyrocketing, and everyone is arguing about mask mandates, and I am just so, so tired. I'm thankful for the feeling of being able to do 10 situps now and the evening breeze in my hair. Simple graces.
It’s another rough week in our house. My husband tested positive for Covid last night. He is not vaccinated. I haven’t admitted that to a lot of people because it’s been a point of contention for us (obviously). I’m feeling a lot of emotions - angry that he has put our kids at risk, frustrated at all of the conflicting guidance on when our kids might be able to go to school (they don’t have symptoms and we’ve been isolating from him), worried that he will become very sick, and just exhausted. My mother in law lives with us (also not vaccinated but had covid twice) and my (adult) nephew is currently staying here too for a week (he has nowhere to go). I feel like I am responsible for a lot of people’s well-being and about at the breaking point.
My oldest son is supposed to start his first day of school Tuesday and that’s in jeopardy now, so I’m super bummed for him. My youngest is out of daycare for another week at least now, and I’m still working from home. My mom (4.5 hours away) is also not doing well physically or mentally right now.
This is a lot of rambling and whining… I know. I am treasuring my wonderful therapist who I see virtually who has talked me through so many things.
You are not whining. I wanted to type that in all caps but thought you may not need to be yelled at. Everything you said is legitimate AND this is a safe space. Sending love for this hard season.
Lauren, I was fully vaccinated by Mother’s Day and my husband juuuust got his first dose 2 weeks ago. It was very contentious in our house too for quite a while before that, so I can understand your frustration there. I’m so sorry it feels like everything is coming down on you at once! It’s a lot, and you’re very justified in venting here!
So my husband wasn’t against the vaccine in general but wanted to wait until the FDA approved it fully & was worried about side effects. I told him that I was really worried about him if he got sick because Delta is affecting younger unvaccinated people pretty seriously. My husband said that hearing how worried I was made him reconsider.
I also begged him to talk to one of his friends who’s a pediatrician, & that friend said he is way more concerned about effects of the virus than any side effects of the vaccine. He also told my husband that there’s a reason married men live longer than single men😄
Oh this is great. Thank you for sharing. This has been a hard thing to navigate since his choice affects not only him (as the last 24 hours have made abundantly clear!)
Lauren, it's not whining at all. This is a difficult thing to deal with, and there are so many emotions (yours and your family). I'm glad you have your therapist as well as this group to come and get things off your chest! Stay well!!
Oh, Lauren. I am so sorry. This isn't whining. All of these emotions make sense. You are taking care of a lot of people and managing a lot of chaos/crises. You sound like a strong person, but you are still a person. Just reading your post makes me tired - I can't even imagine how tired you must be! I am so glad you have a therapist on your team. I hope something surprising and beautiful happens for you this weekend.
Didn’t know how much I needed the kid with the donkey. We still have 3 weeks left to summer (but counter point my kids were in school until June 28) and I may need to start putting my 7 year old to bed before 11. But the internet won’t let me watch the olympics montage and it’s sad.
Good morning! My treasure comes next week, when all three of my kids will be attending the same school for the first time in three years. I am beyond excited to have my house back for a few hours and not have to drive for two hours a day. Plus! We've got friends to carpool with, so it won't even need to be every day! Hooray!
It's been a rough week. Super hot in Denver, and lots of haze from the fires in California. Looking outside is like a big sign hanging in the sky: "The climate is changing and no one is able to do anything about it." Especially not me with my recycling and thrift store shopping. Added to this is the Delta variant, Afghanistan - all things I have no control over. And another whole list of things that I can control to some extent but are stressing me out, hormones, and feeling like I'm locked in my house because of the heat. I've been a mess.
I tried to take care of myself and be kind and gracious, but sometimes I just lack the energy to do what's in my best interest, and what I really want, in all honesty, is for someone to take care of me now and then. To swoop in and say, "I'll finish up the school supplies shopping and menu planning and then I'll clean your bathroom." My husband is super supportive, but we both know he can't meet all my needs, and he's working full time himself. Sometimes self-care looks like eating healthy and getting enough sleep and exercise, and sometimes self-care looks like laying in bed watching the ceiling fan, waiting to feel like doing something again.
Anyways. I'm feeling more optimistic today (ha!) than I have done all week, so I'll take it. And in less than 72 hours, I'll be able to clean the kitchen and watch it stay that way for a few hours!
Both times I had babies and people would ask, "What do you need?", I was like, "I need my bathroom cleaned." It was magical. Everyone wants to give you a casserole, but what you really need is someone to get the soap scum off the tub.
That is so true. Meal trains for house cleaning would be - for me - so much more helpful! We actually gratefully declined the meal train for our 3rd child because we prefer meals with more veggies & meat, no dairy or grains. But if people are bringing us free meals, I don't want to be so specific, you know? But at the same time, I don't want to eat lasagnas for a month. Maybe my next friend who has a baby, I'll see if they would like a house cleaning meal train ... very interested in this idea!
SUCH a great idea! I also really enjoy cooking so with my second I didn’t want to miss out on one of my favorite activities! Would have gladly accepted a scrubbed toilet and changed bedsheets.
I really feel this..."The climate is changing and no one is able to do anything about it." Especially not me with my recycling and thrift store shopping. Added to this is the Delta variant, Afghanistan - all things I have no control over. And another whole list of things that I can control to some extent but are stressing me out, hormones, and feeling like I'm locked in my house because of the heat. I've been a mess."
"...sometimes I just lack the energy to do what's in my best interest, and what I really want, in all honesty, is for someone to take care of me now and then" this is MY WHOLE MOOD this summer. I hope you get some time to watch your ceiling fan if that's what you need!
Feel this. So much. For me, it looks like: Morning - yoga and exercise. Evening - a big box of theater candy and binging Downton Abby. #balance I hope you get some respite this weekend from something on that stress list - the heat or the smoke or the menu or something, and that the school re-entry goes smoothly, and that somewhere in the middle of those few hours you can sit in the quiet and the clean and rest.
Hi everyone! We made it through what felt like the longest week ever! It's been so discouraging to see the response to the Delta variant spread, and to feel like we're going backwards...I'm fully vaccinated and so is my sister (we live together), and we are revisiting (yet again!) what we feel comfortable and safe doing. She has severe asthma, so we have been taking extreme precautions...A month ago, I finally felt like we were getting to the other side of things, but here we are again. As Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics says, "It's so hard to be a person in the world right now."
Erin, thank you for sharing the teacher lists! My sister is a teacher, and I can attest to how much they spend on supplies. It's been so fun to see so many lists get filled this week!
A few treasures from the week:
-Our garden is (finally) growing! This is our first try with a vegetable garden, and after much trial and error, it's finally gotten over it's resolution to be a bummer. We live in Georgia, so we have plenty more summer ahead and I'm hopeful.
-I started a nonprofit for education sponsorships for students in Malawi (I lived there for two years, long story...) and have gotten a few donations for a fundraiser for new uniforms for them! It's encouraging me. Please send prayers and good thoughts that we meet our goal!
-We finished watching the final season of Atypical. It was so sweet and funny, and ended just perfectly.
-I finally found a reasonable price to move my piano from my parents' house to our house, and they delivered it on Friday! I have SO enjoyed playing again this week.
I hope you all have a great weekend that gives you exactly what you need during this time!
Some on the Delta spread. I feel like my #vaxxedandwaxed summer got stolen from me. And I am amazed at how my broken heart can keep being rebroken over the same stuff. Bu your treasures sound great! How cool that you are getting donations for your nonprofit!
Hello, Swipes! I am coming up for air from infant land. Finnegan (Finn) was born July 17, and he is great, but I was a hot mess and needed some time to figure that out. I am now on some meds to help with postpartum depression, have realized that I probably had PPD with all of my kids, and feel like I am turning a corner.
Some treasures from the past month:
- my husband's paternity leave. He gets a month of paternity leave that he can use all at once or here and there, and it has been a huge help. It's allowed him to have some great time with our 3 big kids, and allowed us to have some needed convos about my mental/emotional health.
- Homemade adult cherry limeades: a drink my hubs came up with. Blend a dozen cherries (fresh and pitted or frozen), half a can of cherry limeade bubbly water (any brand), 2 oz limoncello, ice (if not using frozen cherries) and enjoy. Leave it a little slushie - it's amazing.
- My kindle. It's the best way to read while nursing the little guy. I've been reading mostly "fine" books, but have really enjoyed the latest Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander (Mocha, She Wrote) and am currently reading The Thursday Murder Club and really loving it. If you have any easy reading you've loved lately, let me know - I have no bandwidth for heavy books right now.
- Our backyard pool. With the heat index above 100 this week, and not wanting to take an infant and 3 boys to our city pool, it has been a huge blessing to have a place to cool off. And if my 3 bigs get to crazy indoors, it's nice to have a place to kick them out of the house to!
- Fresh tomatoes. Our neighbor across the street from us has a HUGE garden and shares the bounty with us occasionally. There's nothing like a fresh summer tomato.
- Our public library. They've done such a great job providing programming safely in the midst of a pandemic, and I am forever grateful for all of work they've done over the past 18 months.
This weekend is bringing a break in the heat, so we can finally spend more than 5 minutes outside. I'm looking forward to it. Hope the weekend brings each of you something to look forward to!
Those cherry limeades sound AMAZING! Took a screen shot for me to replicate soon. Glad you are taking care of yourself during the hectic newborn time. ❤️❤️
Anything by Jenny Colgan is light and fluffy. If you like a little more YA, Kasie West has some good easy reading, although Sarah Dessen is my favorite for YA rom com. And we have SO many tomatoes over here right now, what are you doing with yours?
Hooray for PPD meds and paternity leave! So glad you are able to care for yourself during this tender time. And, shoot, a backyard pool, fresh neighbor tomatoes, summer reading program at the library, and cherry limeaid sounds like a *perfect* summer. You have inspired me, for sure,. Adding frozen cherries to our grocery pickup right now. Hope you get some good kindle recs for nursing time.
Hi back from infant land. Glad you are getting the help you needed to make this time more manageable. And yay for kindle nursing time. I am starting a new one this weekend “rosaline Palmer takes the cake” by Alexis Hall. I loved his romance “boyfriend material” so I’m looking forward to this one.
good morniinggg (said a little less chipperly than last week) IT has been a WEEK. going back to work post honeymoon was not a fun time. Several times this week James has asked if we could just be trust fund babies and I've had to disappoint him by telling him that neither of us were born in to generational wealth, so no.... we can't be trust fund babies as much as we might like.
Turdly: I don't know how BC and PMS and hormones work so sads are sometimes sads for no apparent reason. I wanted to curl up in bed after James left for work and just be cozy and play stardew and not go be an assistant director of a library today. I have a rainy day heart but there is no rain to soothe me. 😥
Treasurely: Cannoli ice cream from Ben and Jerrys exists and it IS a balm.
Your trust fund comment reminds me of the Derry Girls episode where all the girls think they have trust funds to pay for their trip to Paris and their moms make them realize that they...do not haha. If you haven't seen it, sorry about the random reference, but please add it to your weekend watch list! So good!
Hello, everyone! Holy cow this week flew by and I have no plans for this weekend and I am PUMPED about that. Thank you to everyone who messaged me such sweet messages and to Shelby for sending me actual real life MAIL after sharing some hard news a few weeks ago. Y'all are just the best in the whole world. I want Lil Swipes Camp!
Quick poll: did anyone else lose their shit on their 30th birthday? I know there were other factors at play, but mine was this past Tuesday and I literally started sobbing while trying to put on concealer when I realized the restaurant I wanted to go to that night was closed. The night ended so well but the days leading up to it were...rough. And I've always heard your thirties can be much better than your twenties so I'm just needing someone to affirm that for me...hahahah.
Okay! Here are a few IG treasures I've been storing away:
- Just started following Lore Pemberton (can we talk about how amazing that name is) and now want to live in a cottage with two children and a husband who writes and go off on excursions to New England. For now I'll settle for buying her prints and hanging them all over my house. https://www.instagram.com/p/CSLBzfbgL5r/
Turning 30 was one of my favorite things. I did “30 ways to celebrate turning 30” and did a different activity/treat every day. Overall, it has been no contest—30s are soooo much better than 20s. I hope you’re able to find some ways to celebrate! 🙂 (And 35 was my hard birthday, so it’s difficult for everyone at different times.)
My actual 30th birthday was not really a thing, but as soon as I turned 30 my body started falling apart so not loving it so far. But hey, only 3 more months to 31!
I had a freaking breakdown on my 28th birthday for a variety of reasons, so i think it is just part of aging. Due to premature freakout, 30 was easier :) Will confirm though, 4 years in, loving my 30s way more than my 20s.
Hi, everyone. :) The kids stayed overnight with their aunt & uncle, so we were able to have a day together. We went to the beach and had tacos & ice cream & stayed until sunset. It was amazing! I realized how much I have missed being able to have time together without the kids lately, like when you have a drink of water & it's awesome but you realize you actually need a gallon of water? 😂
Also I either need school to start back up again, or the kids to stop bickering for these last two weeks. That would be great (Office Space guy face). I had done a mini challenge to see if I could go without coffee. I did it for about a month, but feel like the nominal savings & slightly whiter teeth did not outweigh the benefits of coffee, so I'm back on the coffee train.
Looking forward to reading through the updates! It's encouraging to see that others are maybe in this same end-of-summer / delta variant headspace this week. 💛
I love that you got to have time on your own, it's so important and I don't think any of us get nearly the amount we need, especially in the past 18 months!
Hi friends! Grateful for another Friday, and lovely to see you all ☺️☺️
📚 I’ve been in a reading rut but BUSTED out of that this week, with a couple books read on my own and Little Women book club with sweet Swipes. Also glad to be ready to be reading like a crazy person.
🎡 had a delightful sunday afternoon trip to Epcot with some church friends. Still decently spread out, and the return of Food & Wine meant good snacking and fun times.
📺 as previously mentioned, SCHMIGADOON! Which was made for me in a lab, with many of my favorites. Perfectly cheesy and poking fun of the wild parts but also somehow touching? Do recommend if Broadway and 30 Rock are in your venn diagram interests (Jane Krakowski’s cameo was my fave).
Did we talk about Julie and the Phantoms last week? Because I finished it and I cannot stop listening to the songs. Why is that show so good?!?
Also, that You've Got Mail meme is so good. If Joe Fox wasn't such a jerk, I'd watch that movie right now. Actually, I still might. We all know the love story between Kathleen Kelly and Shop Around the Corner was so much better than any relationship with a guy.
F&W Fest is always delightful! Everyone I know keeps talking about how much I would love Schmigadoon! and they are probably right (I did spend my time on the message board talking about Les Miz, so...)
Good morning, fellow Swipes! You know that 30 Rock quote where Liz says “what a week, huh?” and it’s only Wednesday? I feel like I’ve been living that quote for like 18 months, and it’s really hitting hard today. For all who’ve said how weary they are, I’m right there with you.
Turd and treasure this week (turdsure? ew) was that my husband resigned from his worship leader position at our church. Turd because he’s self employed outside of this job and income can be a little unstable sometimes, and this was at least steady money; treasure because we were both burnt the F out over it. Ultimately a good thing - it was past time to do it - but bittersweet all the same.
No internet treasures from me today because I’ve been spending nap time actually cleaning my summer-filthy home since my 2 big kids are FINALLY IN SCHOOL (although I am very much expecting another shut down, get it together America). Looking forward to hearing everyone’s ups & downs!
Ohhhh I feel that quote so much. My two oldest go back to school in about 3 weeks and I am counting down the days, which makes me feel a little guilty, but also, I NEED A BREAK!
Feel this! I thought it was Friday and Wednesday and on Thursday. It was so sad to find out I was wrong on *both* days. :) Glad you guys were able to make this (sortof scary) change to prioritize mental health. Hope you both get a good season of rest and recovery and that the income stays stable while you recuperate.
I am sending up a proof of life flare from the haze of newborn/postpartum life.
This time around I’m really trying to prioritize caring for myself in the 4th trimester. I got myself back to acupuncture to help deal with my numb hands and experienced my first cupping procedure. I loved it! I feel very early aughts Gwyneth Paltrow with my circled back 🤣. Next up on the self-care train is getting evaluated by a certified pelvic health physical therapist. Has anyone gone to one before? LMK if it was helpful.
In terms of entertainment treasures I just started Schmigadoon! and am low key obsessed. I grew up watching a steady steam of musicals (7 Brides, The Music Man, Singing in the Rain, Doris Day etc). This show is like the most glorious love letter and spoof of musicals all at once. So fun!
I also took to heart something KJ Ramsey posted on IG this week. She wrote, “content can be good while not being good for you, right now.” Amen. My usual go to of darker material doesn’t quite fit my current phase and that’s ok. I deleted the Mars Hill podcast I was about to start-too triggering right now. I also hid one of my main news sources to take a giant step back from knowing up to the minute what is happening in the world. Switching up who we follow can be such a gift for peace of mind.
Good for you, Jenny, for recognizing the limits to what you’re able to take in, content-wise. I grew up in a very news-focused home and it took me a long time to make the connection between the constant stream of breaking news and my horrendous anxiety. My therapist said something along the lines of “just because you CAN know everything that’s going on doesn’t mean you SHOULD” and I’ve been much better at limiting my consumption of news. If you want some suggestions for happy, good news IG accounts, let me know.
I’ve been seeing a pelvic floor PT for my whole pregnancy and it definitely helps! I’m especially looking forward to having her help with postpartum recovery. I’m a firm believer now that everyone should have their pelvic floor evaluated after carrying a baby.
I'm so glad to hear Schmigadoon is good. We're almost finished with Mythic Quest and that's next up on our list. And I'm really glad you're taking care of your postpartum self, good for you!
It has been an emotion-filled week! This week I literally said "I've never been more sad", but also laughed so hard I almost snorted out cake. But our Michigan vacation is nigh, I CANNOT wait to eat fudge, sit in the sand, and watch far too many movies with my kids.
The only other thing I have to request today: share your favorite 90s kid movies. My husband themes our fantasy football league every year and that's our theme this year. So spill, because ducks fly together! RUFIOOOOO!!!
My stepdad, who has not raised children, saw Aladdin for the first time a few years ago and it blew his mind. He was telling my mom about it - had she seen it? It's so good! Did she know Robin Williams was in it? Her response: "I raised a kid in the 90s. Yes, I've seen Aladdin."
The Secret Garden and A Little Princess were my GO-TO sick movies. Sometimes I'd even fake being sick just so I could watch them (who knows why little me didn't just watch them after school, but I was probably busy watching Wishbone and playing Pogs haha)
Cool Runnings, The Big Green, Mighty Ducks 1 & 2 (3 is too sad for me), The Little Rascals, Now & Then, The Sandlot, The Parent Trap, Angels In The Outfield, and generally anything on Disney+.
Now and Then OMG. I had SUCH a cruch on Devon Sawa in that movie and Casper WOO BOY. Also, I'd like to select the Chessy package for how I dress for the fall, how do I make that happen?
SAME re: Devon! Re: Chessy, besides her fall wardrobe, I would also love to fall in love with a sensitive, well connected British butler like she does at the end of the movie.
I've been in and out of the doctor's office for imaging on my upper back since I still have some lingering pain after the Great Porch Fall in May. The xrays showed a compression fracture in one vertebrae, the MRI showed that it's definitely chronic and not a result of my fall. Working theory is that it happened when I was in a car accident in college and the fall made it mad. It's a good thing I like my doctor because when he said "you were younger then so all you noticed was some lower back pain" it was like a stab straight through the heart. If anyone has any weight-bearing excercise they like, let me know. I take my dog for walks when I can, but August is the most miserable month to be outside in Texas, and I no longer have sufficient inside space for yoga.
I texted my stepmom last night and asked if she thought there was even the slightest chance of convincing my dad to get vaccinated. She said that if anyone could convince him it would be me, which frankly does not fill me with optimism. Ts and Ps as I try to gather some resources to start this project. If anyone has been able to convince their elders, please tell me your secret. I'm particularly looking for what's been effective in the "boomer with conspiracy theory leanings" demographic.
I finally had the heart to look at a calendar and count and only have TWO Saturday shifts left at my current job. Saturdays are the worst and I cannot wait to be done with them. I should probably start looking for a new job or something, but I just want to bask in being (almost) done with this one.
I wonder if you might be able to sit down at a computer with your dad and talk with him about where his information is coming from. Look up his sources together and see what kind of backing they have. Come prepared with info about what types of medical sources are/are not reliable. Ask lots of questions and see if he can come to some clearer conclusions by himself (with your help/listening ears). You’re never going to convince him with conversations, but you might with concrete data/sources.
I sent him a big email last night with some sources trying to address what I knew some of his concerns to be i.e. here's why it's not sketchy that it got approved so fast, here's why ivermectin is probably not a miracle cure. I also talked about why I felt comfortable getting it ASAP based on my scientific background and my reasons for getting it at all. He's at least willing to look through all of it. I'm not really expecting to change his mind, so if I do it'll be a pleasant surprise and if I don't at least I can say I tried.
The Post-Olympics Depression (P.O.D.) has sunk in. These were some precious treasures. My heart is so heavy from the callous family and “friends” in my life. They can sure tell you everything the cable news personalities say every night, but they haven’t asked about my kids since June.
That’s heartbreaking. I’m so sorry.
This newsletter comment section is my Number One Treasure. (Most weeks, really.) You guys remind me that I’m not alone in my sadness, anxiety, fear, and anger. And you all bring something special to my heart, whether life hacks or shared grumbles or encouragement or Tik Toks… I’m grateful for it all! Love Love Love you!
Amongst the Yuck of Life and general feel-bads this week, I very much enjoyed watching last night’s Field of Dreams baseball game. My Yankees lost in a Hollywood ending, but it was the best reminder of my love for the game and of nostalgia for good times. We’re going to rewatch the movie now, of course. And maybe aaaallll the baseball flicks. I’m reminded that I need to schedule moments of joy for myself in the midst of this challenging ::ahem:: “unprecedented“ season.
I’m also on a learning spiral of the Fair Play concept that Lindsay shared this week: see her “Div of Labor” highlight on https://instagram.com/lindsaystadter.
I don’t have anyone who can share the household tasks, but I’m very inspired to make the exhaustive list for myself. I need to see everything at a glance so I can stop swirling it around my brain. Lindsay shared a comic about “mental load” and it RESONATES. Since my mom’s health decline I’ve felt less and less on top of things just because I’ve never had to be responsible for another person. Having to learn these skills in my 50s is a challenge! The idea of writing down every tiny responsibility is right in my wheelhouse; I need to free up that mental load just to find my center again. Lindsay, you’re a lifesaver for sharing that this week!
https://www.workingmother.com/this-comic-perfectly-explains-mental-load-working-mothers-bear
Wishing you all the best possible weekend for your mental and physical health. ❤️
I too am grateful for Lindsay and her sharing this!!
"I wuv you Snickers." Oh man. I may watch that 79 times this afternoon. Well, according to my journal, my week has been a mix of sad, tired, angry, more sad, more tired, and a little bit good. I don't have many Internet treasures, but this week I have been thankful for a few things:
- Morning exercise - This isn't super fancy. It is literally a Yoga with Adrienne video under 15 minutes and a round of bodyweight exercises (jumping jacks, squats, wall pushups, and sit-ups). I am suuuper stressed and suuuuper weak. This is less about setting PRs, and more about just spending 20 minutes in the morning trying to move my body. It has taken 4 weeks, but this morning I was able to do 50 jumping jacks,10 sit-ups and 15 of everything else. And while the physical benefits are small, right now, it is making a HUGE difference to my mental health. That plus a Stupid Walk, and I'm finding more peace.
- My SM break is paying off. For 3 evenings in a row, I was able to sit in the breeze and just read a book and take in the sunset vibez without compulsively reaching for my phone. And now in the mornings I grab my journal instead of doomscrolling. I know I am missing things like that cute little Snickers video, but I may never go back.
Those are probably my highlights. Like so many of you I am weary. I feel like my #vaxxedandwaxed summer got stolen from me. Hospitalizations in my neck of the woods are skyrocketing, and everyone is arguing about mask mandates, and I am just so, so tired. I'm thankful for the feeling of being able to do 10 situps now and the evening breeze in my hair. Simple graces.
I always appreciate the Posts of Lament here. They make me feel less alone in my doldrums. My journal looks just like yours. 👊🏻
Thank you. I'm trying.
Hi Swipes,
It’s another rough week in our house. My husband tested positive for Covid last night. He is not vaccinated. I haven’t admitted that to a lot of people because it’s been a point of contention for us (obviously). I’m feeling a lot of emotions - angry that he has put our kids at risk, frustrated at all of the conflicting guidance on when our kids might be able to go to school (they don’t have symptoms and we’ve been isolating from him), worried that he will become very sick, and just exhausted. My mother in law lives with us (also not vaccinated but had covid twice) and my (adult) nephew is currently staying here too for a week (he has nowhere to go). I feel like I am responsible for a lot of people’s well-being and about at the breaking point.
My oldest son is supposed to start his first day of school Tuesday and that’s in jeopardy now, so I’m super bummed for him. My youngest is out of daycare for another week at least now, and I’m still working from home. My mom (4.5 hours away) is also not doing well physically or mentally right now.
This is a lot of rambling and whining… I know. I am treasuring my wonderful therapist who I see virtually who has talked me through so many things.
Stay safe and healthy folks. ❤️
That is so much you have going on, when your energy reserves are probably pretty low to begin with. Sending hugs, but wish I could do more!
Oh, girls. I’m broken for you. ❤️🩹 You’re living my greatest COVID fear. Much prayer and much love to you.
Yikes-what a lot of people depending on you all at once. I am so sorry. Glad you have a good therapist to help get you through.
You are not whining. I wanted to type that in all caps but thought you may not need to be yelled at. Everything you said is legitimate AND this is a safe space. Sending love for this hard season.
Thank you Annette. I appreciate your words.
You are dealing with so much; so glad you have a therapist to help.
You have a right to be angry and upset. That is more than one woman should have to deal with at one time.
Thank you Mona. Letting it out helped!
Lauren, I was fully vaccinated by Mother’s Day and my husband juuuust got his first dose 2 weeks ago. It was very contentious in our house too for quite a while before that, so I can understand your frustration there. I’m so sorry it feels like everything is coming down on you at once! It’s a lot, and you’re very justified in venting here!
Thank you Katie! Was there anything you did to convince him to get the vaccine? I’m worried that this still won’t be enough to change his mind.
So my husband wasn’t against the vaccine in general but wanted to wait until the FDA approved it fully & was worried about side effects. I told him that I was really worried about him if he got sick because Delta is affecting younger unvaccinated people pretty seriously. My husband said that hearing how worried I was made him reconsider.
I also begged him to talk to one of his friends who’s a pediatrician, & that friend said he is way more concerned about effects of the virus than any side effects of the vaccine. He also told my husband that there’s a reason married men live longer than single men😄
Oh this is great. Thank you for sharing. This has been a hard thing to navigate since his choice affects not only him (as the last 24 hours have made abundantly clear!)
You’re welcome. I hope his symptoms are mild and he recovers quickly! You’re in my prayers ♥️
Lauren, it's not whining at all. This is a difficult thing to deal with, and there are so many emotions (yours and your family). I'm glad you have your therapist as well as this group to come and get things off your chest! Stay well!!
Yes, thankful for all of you too! ❤️❤️
Oh, Lauren. I am so sorry. This isn't whining. All of these emotions make sense. You are taking care of a lot of people and managing a lot of chaos/crises. You sound like a strong person, but you are still a person. Just reading your post makes me tired - I can't even imagine how tired you must be! I am so glad you have a therapist on your team. I hope something surprising and beautiful happens for you this weekend.
Thank you Dawn. It is exhausting, I’m glad I am finally admitting that.
Didn’t know how much I needed the kid with the donkey. We still have 3 weeks left to summer (but counter point my kids were in school until June 28) and I may need to start putting my 7 year old to bed before 11. But the internet won’t let me watch the olympics montage and it’s sad.
Good morning! My treasure comes next week, when all three of my kids will be attending the same school for the first time in three years. I am beyond excited to have my house back for a few hours and not have to drive for two hours a day. Plus! We've got friends to carpool with, so it won't even need to be every day! Hooray!
It's been a rough week. Super hot in Denver, and lots of haze from the fires in California. Looking outside is like a big sign hanging in the sky: "The climate is changing and no one is able to do anything about it." Especially not me with my recycling and thrift store shopping. Added to this is the Delta variant, Afghanistan - all things I have no control over. And another whole list of things that I can control to some extent but are stressing me out, hormones, and feeling like I'm locked in my house because of the heat. I've been a mess.
I tried to take care of myself and be kind and gracious, but sometimes I just lack the energy to do what's in my best interest, and what I really want, in all honesty, is for someone to take care of me now and then. To swoop in and say, "I'll finish up the school supplies shopping and menu planning and then I'll clean your bathroom." My husband is super supportive, but we both know he can't meet all my needs, and he's working full time himself. Sometimes self-care looks like eating healthy and getting enough sleep and exercise, and sometimes self-care looks like laying in bed watching the ceiling fan, waiting to feel like doing something again.
Anyways. I'm feeling more optimistic today (ha!) than I have done all week, so I'll take it. And in less than 72 hours, I'll be able to clean the kitchen and watch it stay that way for a few hours!
If people would just clean our bathrooms ... Man. What a gift that would be.
Both times I had babies and people would ask, "What do you need?", I was like, "I need my bathroom cleaned." It was magical. Everyone wants to give you a casserole, but what you really need is someone to get the soap scum off the tub.
That is so true. Meal trains for house cleaning would be - for me - so much more helpful! We actually gratefully declined the meal train for our 3rd child because we prefer meals with more veggies & meat, no dairy or grains. But if people are bringing us free meals, I don't want to be so specific, you know? But at the same time, I don't want to eat lasagnas for a month. Maybe my next friend who has a baby, I'll see if they would like a house cleaning meal train ... very interested in this idea!
SUCH a great idea! I also really enjoy cooking so with my second I didn’t want to miss out on one of my favorite activities! Would have gladly accepted a scrubbed toilet and changed bedsheets.
I really feel this..."The climate is changing and no one is able to do anything about it." Especially not me with my recycling and thrift store shopping. Added to this is the Delta variant, Afghanistan - all things I have no control over. And another whole list of things that I can control to some extent but are stressing me out, hormones, and feeling like I'm locked in my house because of the heat. I've been a mess."
"...sometimes I just lack the energy to do what's in my best interest, and what I really want, in all honesty, is for someone to take care of me now and then" this is MY WHOLE MOOD this summer. I hope you get some time to watch your ceiling fan if that's what you need!
Feel this. So much. For me, it looks like: Morning - yoga and exercise. Evening - a big box of theater candy and binging Downton Abby. #balance I hope you get some respite this weekend from something on that stress list - the heat or the smoke or the menu or something, and that the school re-entry goes smoothly, and that somewhere in the middle of those few hours you can sit in the quiet and the clean and rest.
I feel everything you just said so hard
Amen.
Hi everyone! We made it through what felt like the longest week ever! It's been so discouraging to see the response to the Delta variant spread, and to feel like we're going backwards...I'm fully vaccinated and so is my sister (we live together), and we are revisiting (yet again!) what we feel comfortable and safe doing. She has severe asthma, so we have been taking extreme precautions...A month ago, I finally felt like we were getting to the other side of things, but here we are again. As Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics says, "It's so hard to be a person in the world right now."
Erin, thank you for sharing the teacher lists! My sister is a teacher, and I can attest to how much they spend on supplies. It's been so fun to see so many lists get filled this week!
A few treasures from the week:
-Our garden is (finally) growing! This is our first try with a vegetable garden, and after much trial and error, it's finally gotten over it's resolution to be a bummer. We live in Georgia, so we have plenty more summer ahead and I'm hopeful.
-I started a nonprofit for education sponsorships for students in Malawi (I lived there for two years, long story...) and have gotten a few donations for a fundraiser for new uniforms for them! It's encouraging me. Please send prayers and good thoughts that we meet our goal!
-I'm having major Olympics withdrawals, so this reel from Tom Daley was just what I needed: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSXQwNzDtT2/
-We finished watching the final season of Atypical. It was so sweet and funny, and ended just perfectly.
-I finally found a reasonable price to move my piano from my parents' house to our house, and they delivered it on Friday! I have SO enjoyed playing again this week.
I hope you all have a great weekend that gives you exactly what you need during this time!
Some on the Delta spread. I feel like my #vaxxedandwaxed summer got stolen from me. And I am amazed at how my broken heart can keep being rebroken over the same stuff. Bu your treasures sound great! How cool that you are getting donations for your nonprofit!
Hello, Swipes! I am coming up for air from infant land. Finnegan (Finn) was born July 17, and he is great, but I was a hot mess and needed some time to figure that out. I am now on some meds to help with postpartum depression, have realized that I probably had PPD with all of my kids, and feel like I am turning a corner.
Some treasures from the past month:
- my husband's paternity leave. He gets a month of paternity leave that he can use all at once or here and there, and it has been a huge help. It's allowed him to have some great time with our 3 big kids, and allowed us to have some needed convos about my mental/emotional health.
- Auden nursing cami's from Target: https://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-seamless-cami-auden-153/-/A-54083289?preselect=53927513 They are comfy, are padded so they keep me locked in, and I can wear them without a bra so I don't feel like my chest is being crushed.
- Homemade adult cherry limeades: a drink my hubs came up with. Blend a dozen cherries (fresh and pitted or frozen), half a can of cherry limeade bubbly water (any brand), 2 oz limoncello, ice (if not using frozen cherries) and enjoy. Leave it a little slushie - it's amazing.
- My kindle. It's the best way to read while nursing the little guy. I've been reading mostly "fine" books, but have really enjoyed the latest Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander (Mocha, She Wrote) and am currently reading The Thursday Murder Club and really loving it. If you have any easy reading you've loved lately, let me know - I have no bandwidth for heavy books right now.
- Our backyard pool. With the heat index above 100 this week, and not wanting to take an infant and 3 boys to our city pool, it has been a huge blessing to have a place to cool off. And if my 3 bigs get to crazy indoors, it's nice to have a place to kick them out of the house to!
- Fresh tomatoes. Our neighbor across the street from us has a HUGE garden and shares the bounty with us occasionally. There's nothing like a fresh summer tomato.
- Our public library. They've done such a great job providing programming safely in the midst of a pandemic, and I am forever grateful for all of work they've done over the past 18 months.
This weekend is bringing a break in the heat, so we can finally spend more than 5 minutes outside. I'm looking forward to it. Hope the weekend brings each of you something to look forward to!
Those cherry limeades sound AMAZING! Took a screen shot for me to replicate soon. Glad you are taking care of yourself during the hectic newborn time. ❤️❤️
Anything by Jenny Colgan is light and fluffy. If you like a little more YA, Kasie West has some good easy reading, although Sarah Dessen is my favorite for YA rom com. And we have SO many tomatoes over here right now, what are you doing with yours?
Hooray for PPD meds and paternity leave! So glad you are able to care for yourself during this tender time. And, shoot, a backyard pool, fresh neighbor tomatoes, summer reading program at the library, and cherry limeaid sounds like a *perfect* summer. You have inspired me, for sure,. Adding frozen cherries to our grocery pickup right now. Hope you get some good kindle recs for nursing time.
Hi back from infant land. Glad you are getting the help you needed to make this time more manageable. And yay for kindle nursing time. I am starting a new one this weekend “rosaline Palmer takes the cake” by Alexis Hall. I loved his romance “boyfriend material” so I’m looking forward to this one.
good morniinggg (said a little less chipperly than last week) IT has been a WEEK. going back to work post honeymoon was not a fun time. Several times this week James has asked if we could just be trust fund babies and I've had to disappoint him by telling him that neither of us were born in to generational wealth, so no.... we can't be trust fund babies as much as we might like.
Turdly: I don't know how BC and PMS and hormones work so sads are sometimes sads for no apparent reason. I wanted to curl up in bed after James left for work and just be cozy and play stardew and not go be an assistant director of a library today. I have a rainy day heart but there is no rain to soothe me. 😥
Treasurely: Cannoli ice cream from Ben and Jerrys exists and it IS a balm.
A rainy day heart. That is a great way to put it. Sorry about the trust fund.
Immediately looking up Cannoli ice cream, sounds so delish!
Your trust fund comment reminds me of the Derry Girls episode where all the girls think they have trust funds to pay for their trip to Paris and their moms make them realize that they...do not haha. If you haven't seen it, sorry about the random reference, but please add it to your weekend watch list! So good!
Yes!
Ahh, this episode (actually the whole show) was brilliant!
I thought of that reference too! Gah I love that show 😆
Oh man I forgot about that episode!! I love Derry girls!!
Hello, everyone! Holy cow this week flew by and I have no plans for this weekend and I am PUMPED about that. Thank you to everyone who messaged me such sweet messages and to Shelby for sending me actual real life MAIL after sharing some hard news a few weeks ago. Y'all are just the best in the whole world. I want Lil Swipes Camp!
Quick poll: did anyone else lose their shit on their 30th birthday? I know there were other factors at play, but mine was this past Tuesday and I literally started sobbing while trying to put on concealer when I realized the restaurant I wanted to go to that night was closed. The night ended so well but the days leading up to it were...rough. And I've always heard your thirties can be much better than your twenties so I'm just needing someone to affirm that for me...hahahah.
Okay! Here are a few IG treasures I've been storing away:
- To all the moms/humans who produce other humans! https://www.instagram.com/p/CR4eFa0jJZD/
- Mari Andrew's always-timely words on ripe fruit and decision making https://www.instagram.com/p/CSCNTINLYCi/
- Just started following Lore Pemberton (can we talk about how amazing that name is) and now want to live in a cottage with two children and a husband who writes and go off on excursions to New England. For now I'll settle for buying her prints and hanging them all over my house. https://www.instagram.com/p/CSLBzfbgL5r/
- People pleasing https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSEvnpRH_nM/ (it's the "Healthy bitch alert" that got me hahaha)
I love you ALL and hope every single on of you finds deep pockets of rest and peace this weekend. (((hug)))
Turning 30 was one of my favorite things. I did “30 ways to celebrate turning 30” and did a different activity/treat every day. Overall, it has been no contest—30s are soooo much better than 20s. I hope you’re able to find some ways to celebrate! 🙂 (And 35 was my hard birthday, so it’s difficult for everyone at different times.)
My actual 30th birthday was not really a thing, but as soon as I turned 30 my body started falling apart so not loving it so far. But hey, only 3 more months to 31!
The 30s are awesome! So much better. Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Dawn!
Yes to the 30s being better than the 20s! And YES PLEASE to a Lil Swipes Camp, I would MOST DEFINITELY attend and bring so many treats!
I am turning 40 next year, I hope the 40s are decent 😥
I have been following Lore. Honestly don't you just want to hop into one of her paintings and just stay there forever? Any of them, doesn't matter.
Absolutely any of them! Gosh they're so magical.
I had a freaking breakdown on my 28th birthday for a variety of reasons, so i think it is just part of aging. Due to premature freakout, 30 was easier :) Will confirm though, 4 years in, loving my 30s way more than my 20s.
thank you for all these treasures!
That you for the encouraging confirmation!
I’m 31 and I can confirm already that the 30s >>>> the 20s!
PRAISE!!
Hi, everyone. :) The kids stayed overnight with their aunt & uncle, so we were able to have a day together. We went to the beach and had tacos & ice cream & stayed until sunset. It was amazing! I realized how much I have missed being able to have time together without the kids lately, like when you have a drink of water & it's awesome but you realize you actually need a gallon of water? 😂
Also I either need school to start back up again, or the kids to stop bickering for these last two weeks. That would be great (Office Space guy face). I had done a mini challenge to see if I could go without coffee. I did it for about a month, but feel like the nominal savings & slightly whiter teeth did not outweigh the benefits of coffee, so I'm back on the coffee train.
Looking forward to reading through the updates! It's encouraging to see that others are maybe in this same end-of-summer / delta variant headspace this week. 💛
I love that you got to have time on your own, it's so important and I don't think any of us get nearly the amount we need, especially in the past 18 months!
Yes, absolutely! I don't think I realized how much I need to recharge in that way until I was able to do it for a little bit!
So glad you got some time together! The beach, tacos, and ice cream with your main squeeze sounds pretty dreamy. :)
Absolutely. It’s too hot and too stupid out there.
Amen. And smoky.
Hi friends! Grateful for another Friday, and lovely to see you all ☺️☺️
📚 I’ve been in a reading rut but BUSTED out of that this week, with a couple books read on my own and Little Women book club with sweet Swipes. Also glad to be ready to be reading like a crazy person.
🎡 had a delightful sunday afternoon trip to Epcot with some church friends. Still decently spread out, and the return of Food & Wine meant good snacking and fun times.
📺 as previously mentioned, SCHMIGADOON! Which was made for me in a lab, with many of my favorites. Perfectly cheesy and poking fun of the wild parts but also somehow touching? Do recommend if Broadway and 30 Rock are in your venn diagram interests (Jane Krakowski’s cameo was my fave).
💻 a whole mood- https://www.instagram.com/p/CSNZRKVha4u/?utm_medium=copy_link
This made me LOL -
https://mobile.twitter.com/RefScholastic/status/1425154482556522498
And the best of the fall plans/delta variant meme - https://mobile.twitter.com/DannyPellegrino/status/1425921394412425218
Did we talk about Julie and the Phantoms last week? Because I finished it and I cannot stop listening to the songs. Why is that show so good?!?
Also, that You've Got Mail meme is so good. If Joe Fox wasn't such a jerk, I'd watch that movie right now. Actually, I still might. We all know the love story between Kathleen Kelly and Shop Around the Corner was so much better than any relationship with a guy.
We totally did, and I wish I knew why It is so good! You’ve Got Mail is so good, and you said it. I cry every time she walks out for the last time.
F&W Fest is always delightful! Everyone I know keeps talking about how much I would love Schmigadoon! and they are probably right (I did spend my time on the message board talking about Les Miz, so...)
listen, if we have to watch an ep while you're over, i'm not opposed :D
I am not opposed either! 🥰
Good morning, fellow Swipes! You know that 30 Rock quote where Liz says “what a week, huh?” and it’s only Wednesday? I feel like I’ve been living that quote for like 18 months, and it’s really hitting hard today. For all who’ve said how weary they are, I’m right there with you.
Turd and treasure this week (turdsure? ew) was that my husband resigned from his worship leader position at our church. Turd because he’s self employed outside of this job and income can be a little unstable sometimes, and this was at least steady money; treasure because we were both burnt the F out over it. Ultimately a good thing - it was past time to do it - but bittersweet all the same.
No internet treasures from me today because I’ve been spending nap time actually cleaning my summer-filthy home since my 2 big kids are FINALLY IN SCHOOL (although I am very much expecting another shut down, get it together America). Looking forward to hearing everyone’s ups & downs!
Ohhhh I feel that quote so much. My two oldest go back to school in about 3 weeks and I am counting down the days, which makes me feel a little guilty, but also, I NEED A BREAK!
Listen, I nearly threw a dang party on the first day of school. It felt like Christmas. NO REGRETS
Feel this! I thought it was Friday and Wednesday and on Thursday. It was so sad to find out I was wrong on *both* days. :) Glad you guys were able to make this (sortof scary) change to prioritize mental health. Hope you both get a good season of rest and recovery and that the income stays stable while you recuperate.
Happy Friday Friends!
I am sending up a proof of life flare from the haze of newborn/postpartum life.
This time around I’m really trying to prioritize caring for myself in the 4th trimester. I got myself back to acupuncture to help deal with my numb hands and experienced my first cupping procedure. I loved it! I feel very early aughts Gwyneth Paltrow with my circled back 🤣. Next up on the self-care train is getting evaluated by a certified pelvic health physical therapist. Has anyone gone to one before? LMK if it was helpful.
In terms of entertainment treasures I just started Schmigadoon! and am low key obsessed. I grew up watching a steady steam of musicals (7 Brides, The Music Man, Singing in the Rain, Doris Day etc). This show is like the most glorious love letter and spoof of musicals all at once. So fun!
I also took to heart something KJ Ramsey posted on IG this week. She wrote, “content can be good while not being good for you, right now.” Amen. My usual go to of darker material doesn’t quite fit my current phase and that’s ok. I deleted the Mars Hill podcast I was about to start-too triggering right now. I also hid one of my main news sources to take a giant step back from knowing up to the minute what is happening in the world. Switching up who we follow can be such a gift for peace of mind.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Good for you, Jenny, for recognizing the limits to what you’re able to take in, content-wise. I grew up in a very news-focused home and it took me a long time to make the connection between the constant stream of breaking news and my horrendous anxiety. My therapist said something along the lines of “just because you CAN know everything that’s going on doesn’t mean you SHOULD” and I’ve been much better at limiting my consumption of news. If you want some suggestions for happy, good news IG accounts, let me know.
Yes totally. You have a very wise therapist. Always up for good contact on IG. My handle there is @jtillay
I’ve been seeing a pelvic floor PT for my whole pregnancy and it definitely helps! I’m especially looking forward to having her help with postpartum recovery. I’m a firm believer now that everyone should have their pelvic floor evaluated after carrying a baby.
That’s great-you will be extra prepared!
This is a great list of self care. Man, I wish they would just automatically schedule pelvic floor PT for after childbirth.
Yes! I know they do in other countries🤦🏻♀️
I'm so glad to hear Schmigadoon is good. We're almost finished with Mythic Quest and that's next up on our list. And I'm really glad you're taking care of your postpartum self, good for you!
Trying to-thank you!
I have not personally had pelvic floor PT, but I have quite a few friends who do and all of them have found it VERY helpful!
Cool! Thank you!
Good job taking care of yourself so well!
Hard to help others if I won’t help myself!
Haaaaaappy Friiiiiiiiiday!
It has been an emotion-filled week! This week I literally said "I've never been more sad", but also laughed so hard I almost snorted out cake. But our Michigan vacation is nigh, I CANNOT wait to eat fudge, sit in the sand, and watch far too many movies with my kids.
The only other thing I have to request today: share your favorite 90s kid movies. My husband themes our fantasy football league every year and that's our theme this year. So spill, because ducks fly together! RUFIOOOOO!!!
My stepdad, who has not raised children, saw Aladdin for the first time a few years ago and it blew his mind. He was telling my mom about it - had she seen it? It's so good! Did she know Robin Williams was in it? Her response: "I raised a kid in the 90s. Yes, I've seen Aladdin."
Dennis the Menace! The Secret Garden! Aladdin! Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken!
The Secret Garden and A Little Princess were my GO-TO sick movies. Sometimes I'd even fake being sick just so I could watch them (who knows why little me didn't just watch them after school, but I was probably busy watching Wishbone and playing Pogs haha)
OHMYGOSH the memories!!
Cool Runnings, The Big Green, Mighty Ducks 1 & 2 (3 is too sad for me), The Little Rascals, Now & Then, The Sandlot, The Parent Trap, Angels In The Outfield, and generally anything on Disney+.
Now and Then OMG. I had SUCH a cruch on Devon Sawa in that movie and Casper WOO BOY. Also, I'd like to select the Chessy package for how I dress for the fall, how do I make that happen?
SAME re: Devon! Re: Chessy, besides her fall wardrobe, I would also love to fall in love with a sensitive, well connected British butler like she does at the end of the movie.
OMG so many! Heavyweights, Little Giants, the Little Rascals, Mighty Ducks, Mulan. Pretty much every 90s movie on Disney +, lol!
90s Disney movies were a whole other level!
have so much fun in MI! does A Goofy Movie count?
OF COURSE IT COUNTS!
Cool Runnings!
Yes yes yes
Same! In my top 5 movies of all time.
Why were sports movies so much better back then?