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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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/
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. 💛
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).
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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!
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 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.
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. ❤️
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!
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!
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!
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.
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)))
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. 💛
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
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!
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!
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!!!