Friends, it has been AGES since I posted here. Summer 2021 was the complete opposite of 2020-- apparently since my kids missed camps and activities last summer we signed up for 127 of them and I was SO over summer activities by the time we started school, lol. But I homeschool, so the start of school is another level of craziness. However, we are settling into our rhythms and enjoying the beginning of the semester (we live on a college campus) and praying for the Lord to give us grace as plans often change due to #stupidcovid.
I have a favor to ask of you, my lovely Treasures: I am doing research for a writer friend for a forthcoming book on women and work. This can be a touchy topic and a difficult lived out situation in the evangelical world especially! The author has put together a survey to assist in her research and I would love it so much if you would take a few minutes to complete it.https://forms.gle/jxjh7246kbuBUCz8A
In addition, I would love to hear stories of inspirational women in the workplace. I am not looking for headlining, nobel prize winning women (though I rejoice that we have those), but stories of women that might not be told, but who were breaking ground and shifting standards and taboos and paving the way for women to flourish. (Please forgive that run on sentence!) If you have a story to tell me, or a name that I can research, I'd love to hear it. My email is leahphillipsfinn@gmail.com
May you each have a corner of the world in which to flourish and grow this week.
Still navigating grief over the loss of my cousins and moving forward with life. I’m trying to check in on the family as much as I can without being a bother. I’m concerned about the youngest daughter. She and her husband of less than 18 months have lived in the same city as me for over a year now, but she is packing up their house and moving back to our hometown. I know she wants to be close to her siblings but it feels like big decisions and changes in this midst of this terrible grief. Also, all of my memories that pop up are back to school pics and my cousin commented on all of them. 😢
My kids started school this week and thankfully they are all in person - hoping the required masks helps them stay that way!
We are buying a new house! It’s exciting and overwhelming and stressful all in one. We listed our house yesterday and have had 3 showings so far with 3 more scheduled. Praying it sells quickly so I don’t have to keep it immaculate for long.
I was feeling really down in the dumps today (covid stress, school stuff for the kids, Afghanistan, etc etc) but read through the comments first, and it was a buoy. We are all holding so much heavy stuff with little joys sprinkled in, but the way we all support and love each other through it is so inspiring. ❤️❤️
I’m going straight treasures this week:
💅🏻 Ordered some of the new Fall colors from Olive & June for a little pick-me-up today! Free dry drops on orders over $40!
📚 My first grader has made it through the first week of school! We did a private kindergarten at our daycare last year (since I had no idea how a covid year would go), so this is his first year in “real school.” He’s navigated finding his classroom (we weren’t allowed to go in 😞), buying lunch from the cafeteria, the library, getting on the daycare van after school and I am just so proud of him!
😴 My MIL (who has been living with us for 3 months) left for an undetermined time away visiting her daughter. Though the send off was stressful (she had three GIANT bags and was almost late 😬), it’s really nice having a break for a bit. Planning a weekend of just relaxing (and maybe some kid-free time when my husband takes them out of the house).
I've been quietly reading the comments for the past few weeks but haven't posted because it's all just too much, but I am desperate for some connection so hello!
> Tomorrow is my only child's birthday and he is turning 18 and I am having none of it. How, how has the time flown by this quickly? He's leaving for university on Sunday and I have to go with him and say goodbye like it's perfectly normal that he won't be home every day anymore and I can feel my heart jumping out of my chest at the very idea. Although the pandemic sucked overall, it did give me lots of extra time with him over the last year and for that I am grateful. I hope my husband is prepared for the onslaught of tears that are coming his way.
> Speaking of my husband, he's been off work on stress leave since March and it's been such a challenge to see him be so different than his usual self. He works in law enforcement and the last year just completely broke his spirit. Prayers very much appreciated.
> I head back to classes for my final year in the Pharmacy Technician program next week and that whole back-to-school adjustment period is just as applicable to adult learners. I will be channeling all of Jen Hatmaker's BTS advice and planning nothing for myself next weekend but pizza, movies, and sleep. I am celebrating that I received two scholarships for this year based on my academic standing last year - all the hard work was worth actual cash dollars!
> Because I can't quite fathom having an empty nest yet, we decided to host 2 teens who play on a local hockey team for the season and they arrive the day I start school. That's some impeccable timing. One of them I've already met and one is new to the team. I love the energy they bring to the house, and I'm constantly aware that their parents have placed a high level of trust in us to keep their kids for 8 months. Getting to know them is one thing I'm looking forward to this fall.
> I'm also looking forward to reduced hours at work (due to school). I work in a busy pharmacy and between the regular work and all the added workload of Covid vaccines and tests, it's been a lot to deal with. People think we're experts on all things Covid without realizing that we're getting our information at the same time and from the same places as them (well, from the same reliable, factual sources as *most* of our patients). Keeping up on all the changes, which sometimes happen more than once a day, has been completely exhausting.
I'm so grateful to this delightful corner of the interwebs, and for the grace and compassion you show to everyone here. I've been able to connect with some of you on IG and it's been a delight. I'm jenwturner over there if you'd like to pop by and say hi.
Hey, lil’ swipes! I haven’t been here in the comments for several months cause I just didn’t have the metal capacity to keep up, even though I love this space so much. I’m not doing great around here.
But I hopped on here to see if I can get any help cause I am on day 3 of homeschooling my 4th grader and I am having a freak out. I don’t know if I can do this. I can fill up several hours a day with workbooks and teaching him cool things but I just looked at the math curriculum that our district uses (my goal was/is? to put him back in once he can get vaccinated) and I cannot do it. I am such a rule follower (while simultaneously rebelling in my mind cause I think the systems suck) and I’m so worried about him not being in line with his class. About me not teaching him the right things. I want to use this time as a gift to let me kid who doesn’t always work best in the system explore things he loves. He’s suddenly so interested in Greek Mythology so I want him to just explore that. He’s always been such a science kid and I want to just let it run. But then I am gripped by this overwhelming fear that we’re doing it wrong and I’m not “teaching” the right skills, lessons, etc. And math is just the most terrifying thing. Are there any Swipes here who are teachers or home schoolers or anything?
Happy Friday friends! The week's been...a week. My husband goes back to teaching in person college classes next week, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that my oldest two are heading off to school the week after that. And if times were normal, I might be sad or weepy about it, but I'm so stinking excited for them to socialize and also be out of my hair for half a day EVERY DAY.
Treasures:
- I ate a pizza with pesto, bacon, tomatoes, peaches, cheese, arugula, and jalapeno honey that might have come straight from heaven, if heaven is a 600 degree pizza oven. Let's put pesto on everything!
- ...also, cheese curds. What magical little nuggets of fried cheese that are SO MUCH MORE than mozzarella sticks. I'll never go back.
- I made a playlist like I do every year for the fantasy football league my husband and I run. The theme for the league this year is "90s Kid Movies" and I think I hit it out of the park. I'm still tweaking a little, but it starts out with i2i and moves into the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme song, and only gets better from there.
Ok, I'm off to eat a salad and try to plan meals that avoid ovens for the next week because it is so hot and gross. Yay!!!
I have been on vacation for the last 9 days and have three more to go. It's been a nice "staycation" where I mostly don't leave the house because it's so ding dang hot outside. Here are some treasures this vacation week.
-Friday Night Lights. I missed this show when it was on and I'm not a football fan but I started it for company while home alone this week and I am captivated.
- Making a few moves to get my lemon (car) fixed up enough to pass inspection. Yay for a cracked windshield out of nowhere
- Took myself to Home Goods and made some fall related purchases that I will be breaking out next week when August is done.
- I am an obsessive weather checker (A large part of my job happens outdoors) and it looks like this disgusting heatwave is going to break next week, which is conveniently the first week of september and it might actually feel like fall (yes I know fall doesn't start until the 22nd, I don't care).
- my BFF came to visit yesterday for the first time in a year and we went swimming in the river and it felt like being 16 again.
Turds:
- I have to go back to work tuesday. I am very stressed out about out "back to the office" plan or really the lack thereof. There has been major turnover in the last few weeks, with a key leadership position leaving for another job. She was the person who wrote the procedures and told all of us what we needed to do. Now it's up to our executive director who is...not as oriented to details and is like oh we will go back 3 days a week as a goal. No time line, no due date, only told half the staff in a meeting. In such uncertain times I need to know exactly what my job is expecting of me in this area and it's been 2 weeks since she said that and we have recieved nothing official.
Also I'm looking for a new job but I have no leads yet. It's really stressful.
Good afternoon all. I had surgery on my shattered ankle yesterday, it went well. Pain pretty bad today, but at least I’m on the road to healing. My treasure this week is that I found out people actually care about me, which I honestly didn’t think they did. So many people have come out of the woodwork to be helpful and it’s honestly overwhelming. 💙
TGIF!! My treasure of the week was seeing Hamilton!! My sister's coworker had tickets that she wasn't able to use, so she GAVE them to us--for FREE!! The show was fantastic!! I get so much joy out of watching people use their talents. Makes me want to scream "CONGRATS ON FINDING WHAT YOU WERE BORN TO DO!!!!!!" I also love being surrounded by people who are all there to enjoy and appreciate the same thing. It feels like a solidarity that has been sorely lacking over the last year and a half...
This week has felt so heavy....especially with the news coming out of Afghanistan. Plus this week, Georgia had the highest number of COVID deaths in one day since last MARCH. I can't understand why people that are eligible are refusing the vaccine, and it makes me feel so angry and helpless. Speaking of anger and helplessness, tomorrow, I'm supposed to go to a family bridal shower for my cousin--the first time I've seen most of my extended family since Christmas 2019 (except for the few people who came to my grandfather's funeral). I've been very hurt from that side of the family over the last year and a half, so I'm feeling nervous about seeing them in person...Your prayers and good thoughts would be much appreciated.
Random question--have any of y'all ever been to a life coach? The last few months, I've been wondering if life is crazy and hard right now, or am I depressed? Do I need a therapist? Or a life coach? Or a glass of water? Who even knows lol. Just curious if any of y'all have and what your experience was.
Hope you have the best weekend available to you, and can stay cool! Jesus be a raindrop!!
Thank you kindly for introducing me to @kevinjamesthornton last week. He is a national treasure. I watch his videos over and over and giggle every time. This one really got me. Enjoy, tootses (the plural of toots!)
Happy Friday, y'all! This is quick because my bestie is in town for a tiny little 48-hour visit, and we have lots and lots of talking to do!
I met with my gynecologist this week (she's really nice, Beth!), and she cheerily informed me that I'm headed into menopause and that's why my periods are so wonky. It's a little disconcerting because I'm only 44, but I'm also totally fine with the monthly drama coming to an end early and naturally.
I've been obsessing over dance clips on Instagram by @itsslavik and @aubrey_fisher. I've talked my 11-year-old into hip-hop classes to I can live vicariously through her.
I live "Jesus be a raindrop", but honestly? Jesus be a cold front. I'm so done with 95 degrees and blazing sunshine.
Oh Laudie -it's been a season. I truly would get up early if it was the only way to read these comments and newsletter on Fridays - though thankfully it is not as insomnia has been a bear. I'm here for all my chronic illnesses friends as the fatigue but insomnia that leads to dancing legs has come down hard again. But I have two specialist appointments this month so bring some relief!
My heart breaks for the world and my healthy 8/unhealthy 2 (I can't decide really guys) cannot take only being able to give money and prayers. I know it helps but give me some dang activities to actually do. My work was sending people to the airport to help with the transfer/custom process for the big plans coming in but the feds took over the night before my shift.
Update on my whiplash of a relationship - being single after 8 years then being semi-engaged and all that and more. We are moving forward with wedding planning but the official ring has not come back on the finger. He says he wants it to be special but every day that passes makes me a little more on edge. Why do men not understand timing and planning or maybe it's just mine.... He literally said in July - I just realized Oct is like 4 months away; I kept thinking it was 6-7 when you would talk about needing to hurry up.... What have I gotten myself into. Thankfully this "Delightful" personality quirk is actually one of the gifts he's brought me into being in the moment more than I though I'd ever be able to.
Also, my mom is sending me pictures of flowers or bridesmaid dresses every 5 seconds. You would think it was her wedding!
Anyway, done with my bit of rambling. here are some treasures:
Hi friends! Happy Friday! It's pajama day here; honestly, it's one of the best reasons to work in an elementary school. I really wish we could make it a weekly thing.
✨ After my haircut last week, it now takes me about a minute to blow dry my hair every morning. It used to take over five 🙌🙌🙌
✨ After multiple AT&T calls, the internet has been restored. I can finally catch up and Ted Lasso and Schmigadoon. If you need this weekend, you can find me on a couch with a big blanket and those shows.
Treasure/turd: I am back to stress shopping as a coping mechanism for the stress of teaching and rising covid numbers (as evidenced by my treasures this week) .😬 I maintain there are worst things 😂
We made it to another Friday! I'm so glad to be here with you all. 💜
Good morning lil' swipes! There's no better description for my last few weeks than that tweet about adults needing to scream. Today feels slightly less overwhelming though so I'm taking what I can get. My doctor agree to run more blood test (trying to for sure rule out RA and also to check vitamin/iron levels. We also started a new med which seems to be helping but it's still early. I'm feeling more human each day, as long as I actually sleep at night - which, fingers crossed, is going well so far.
A few other treasures:
-I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNTIE! My little sister is pregnant and I'm soaking up all the auntie feels. She's due in March and I'm so excited. We should find out in about a week what she's having. I can't wait to buy all the tiny baby clothes. We live next door to each other so I'll get to soak in baby love any time I want.
-My grad school classes are way, way easier this semester. This summer almost killed me but the particular classes I'm taking this semester are much lighter, and honestly more interesting which always helps.
-I'm starting Taylor Schumann's Writing In the Cracks mentorship soon and I'm thrilled to actually focus on something I've wanted to do for so long.
-The new Halsey album is out and I'm not listening to anything else forever.
-I've finally got my reading bug back and it's such a relief. I just started "The People We Keep" and its wonderful. I'd love any recommendations for novels you're reading (I say as my giant TBR stack glares back at me).
If you guys need some cooler weather you are welcome to mine. Earlier this week summer decided it was done here and skedaddled. It's now dark, super windy and barely 60 degrees. What the heck? Reading books on the patio was like the one good thing I had and now it's gone. Ok fine, there are probably more good things in my life but I am really struggling to see them right now. I'm not doing well mentally and I'm not doing well physically. And the things I need to do to improve my mental health makes my physical health deteriorate. How do you solve that? On top of that, it weighs on me more and more every day that I can't take the vaccine. I'm really starting to feel like I'll be stuck in this house forever. Stupid effing chronically ill body! Rant over, thanks for letting me get that out...
Anyway, thank God for library books and Netflix, I guess.
Friends, it has been AGES since I posted here. Summer 2021 was the complete opposite of 2020-- apparently since my kids missed camps and activities last summer we signed up for 127 of them and I was SO over summer activities by the time we started school, lol. But I homeschool, so the start of school is another level of craziness. However, we are settling into our rhythms and enjoying the beginning of the semester (we live on a college campus) and praying for the Lord to give us grace as plans often change due to #stupidcovid.
I have a favor to ask of you, my lovely Treasures: I am doing research for a writer friend for a forthcoming book on women and work. This can be a touchy topic and a difficult lived out situation in the evangelical world especially! The author has put together a survey to assist in her research and I would love it so much if you would take a few minutes to complete it.https://forms.gle/jxjh7246kbuBUCz8A
In addition, I would love to hear stories of inspirational women in the workplace. I am not looking for headlining, nobel prize winning women (though I rejoice that we have those), but stories of women that might not be told, but who were breaking ground and shifting standards and taboos and paving the way for women to flourish. (Please forgive that run on sentence!) If you have a story to tell me, or a name that I can research, I'd love to hear it. My email is leahphillipsfinn@gmail.com
May you each have a corner of the world in which to flourish and grow this week.
Happy Weekend to you all!
Still navigating grief over the loss of my cousins and moving forward with life. I’m trying to check in on the family as much as I can without being a bother. I’m concerned about the youngest daughter. She and her husband of less than 18 months have lived in the same city as me for over a year now, but she is packing up their house and moving back to our hometown. I know she wants to be close to her siblings but it feels like big decisions and changes in this midst of this terrible grief. Also, all of my memories that pop up are back to school pics and my cousin commented on all of them. 😢
My kids started school this week and thankfully they are all in person - hoping the required masks helps them stay that way!
We are buying a new house! It’s exciting and overwhelming and stressful all in one. We listed our house yesterday and have had 3 showings so far with 3 more scheduled. Praying it sells quickly so I don’t have to keep it immaculate for long.
Hello friends!
I was feeling really down in the dumps today (covid stress, school stuff for the kids, Afghanistan, etc etc) but read through the comments first, and it was a buoy. We are all holding so much heavy stuff with little joys sprinkled in, but the way we all support and love each other through it is so inspiring. ❤️❤️
I’m going straight treasures this week:
💅🏻 Ordered some of the new Fall colors from Olive & June for a little pick-me-up today! Free dry drops on orders over $40!
📚 My first grader has made it through the first week of school! We did a private kindergarten at our daycare last year (since I had no idea how a covid year would go), so this is his first year in “real school.” He’s navigated finding his classroom (we weren’t allowed to go in 😞), buying lunch from the cafeteria, the library, getting on the daycare van after school and I am just so proud of him!
😴 My MIL (who has been living with us for 3 months) left for an undetermined time away visiting her daughter. Though the send off was stressful (she had three GIANT bags and was almost late 😬), it’s really nice having a break for a bit. Planning a weekend of just relaxing (and maybe some kid-free time when my husband takes them out of the house).
Have a great weekend, Swipes!
I've been quietly reading the comments for the past few weeks but haven't posted because it's all just too much, but I am desperate for some connection so hello!
> Tomorrow is my only child's birthday and he is turning 18 and I am having none of it. How, how has the time flown by this quickly? He's leaving for university on Sunday and I have to go with him and say goodbye like it's perfectly normal that he won't be home every day anymore and I can feel my heart jumping out of my chest at the very idea. Although the pandemic sucked overall, it did give me lots of extra time with him over the last year and for that I am grateful. I hope my husband is prepared for the onslaught of tears that are coming his way.
> Speaking of my husband, he's been off work on stress leave since March and it's been such a challenge to see him be so different than his usual self. He works in law enforcement and the last year just completely broke his spirit. Prayers very much appreciated.
> I head back to classes for my final year in the Pharmacy Technician program next week and that whole back-to-school adjustment period is just as applicable to adult learners. I will be channeling all of Jen Hatmaker's BTS advice and planning nothing for myself next weekend but pizza, movies, and sleep. I am celebrating that I received two scholarships for this year based on my academic standing last year - all the hard work was worth actual cash dollars!
> Because I can't quite fathom having an empty nest yet, we decided to host 2 teens who play on a local hockey team for the season and they arrive the day I start school. That's some impeccable timing. One of them I've already met and one is new to the team. I love the energy they bring to the house, and I'm constantly aware that their parents have placed a high level of trust in us to keep their kids for 8 months. Getting to know them is one thing I'm looking forward to this fall.
> I'm also looking forward to reduced hours at work (due to school). I work in a busy pharmacy and between the regular work and all the added workload of Covid vaccines and tests, it's been a lot to deal with. People think we're experts on all things Covid without realizing that we're getting our information at the same time and from the same places as them (well, from the same reliable, factual sources as *most* of our patients). Keeping up on all the changes, which sometimes happen more than once a day, has been completely exhausting.
I'm so grateful to this delightful corner of the interwebs, and for the grace and compassion you show to everyone here. I've been able to connect with some of you on IG and it's been a delight. I'm jenwturner over there if you'd like to pop by and say hi.
Hey, lil’ swipes! I haven’t been here in the comments for several months cause I just didn’t have the metal capacity to keep up, even though I love this space so much. I’m not doing great around here.
But I hopped on here to see if I can get any help cause I am on day 3 of homeschooling my 4th grader and I am having a freak out. I don’t know if I can do this. I can fill up several hours a day with workbooks and teaching him cool things but I just looked at the math curriculum that our district uses (my goal was/is? to put him back in once he can get vaccinated) and I cannot do it. I am such a rule follower (while simultaneously rebelling in my mind cause I think the systems suck) and I’m so worried about him not being in line with his class. About me not teaching him the right things. I want to use this time as a gift to let me kid who doesn’t always work best in the system explore things he loves. He’s suddenly so interested in Greek Mythology so I want him to just explore that. He’s always been such a science kid and I want to just let it run. But then I am gripped by this overwhelming fear that we’re doing it wrong and I’m not “teaching” the right skills, lessons, etc. And math is just the most terrifying thing. Are there any Swipes here who are teachers or home schoolers or anything?
Happy Friday friends! The week's been...a week. My husband goes back to teaching in person college classes next week, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that my oldest two are heading off to school the week after that. And if times were normal, I might be sad or weepy about it, but I'm so stinking excited for them to socialize and also be out of my hair for half a day EVERY DAY.
Treasures:
- I ate a pizza with pesto, bacon, tomatoes, peaches, cheese, arugula, and jalapeno honey that might have come straight from heaven, if heaven is a 600 degree pizza oven. Let's put pesto on everything!
- ...also, cheese curds. What magical little nuggets of fried cheese that are SO MUCH MORE than mozzarella sticks. I'll never go back.
- I made a playlist like I do every year for the fantasy football league my husband and I run. The theme for the league this year is "90s Kid Movies" and I think I hit it out of the park. I'm still tweaking a little, but it starts out with i2i and moves into the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme song, and only gets better from there.
Ok, I'm off to eat a salad and try to plan meals that avoid ovens for the next week because it is so hot and gross. Yay!!!
Happy Friday my friends!
I have been on vacation for the last 9 days and have three more to go. It's been a nice "staycation" where I mostly don't leave the house because it's so ding dang hot outside. Here are some treasures this vacation week.
-Friday Night Lights. I missed this show when it was on and I'm not a football fan but I started it for company while home alone this week and I am captivated.
- Making a few moves to get my lemon (car) fixed up enough to pass inspection. Yay for a cracked windshield out of nowhere
- Took myself to Home Goods and made some fall related purchases that I will be breaking out next week when August is done.
- I am an obsessive weather checker (A large part of my job happens outdoors) and it looks like this disgusting heatwave is going to break next week, which is conveniently the first week of september and it might actually feel like fall (yes I know fall doesn't start until the 22nd, I don't care).
- my BFF came to visit yesterday for the first time in a year and we went swimming in the river and it felt like being 16 again.
Turds:
- I have to go back to work tuesday. I am very stressed out about out "back to the office" plan or really the lack thereof. There has been major turnover in the last few weeks, with a key leadership position leaving for another job. She was the person who wrote the procedures and told all of us what we needed to do. Now it's up to our executive director who is...not as oriented to details and is like oh we will go back 3 days a week as a goal. No time line, no due date, only told half the staff in a meeting. In such uncertain times I need to know exactly what my job is expecting of me in this area and it's been 2 weeks since she said that and we have recieved nothing official.
Also I'm looking for a new job but I have no leads yet. It's really stressful.
Ok that's it! Happy weekend you guys!
Good afternoon all. I had surgery on my shattered ankle yesterday, it went well. Pain pretty bad today, but at least I’m on the road to healing. My treasure this week is that I found out people actually care about me, which I honestly didn’t think they did. So many people have come out of the woodwork to be helpful and it’s honestly overwhelming. 💙
TGIF!! My treasure of the week was seeing Hamilton!! My sister's coworker had tickets that she wasn't able to use, so she GAVE them to us--for FREE!! The show was fantastic!! I get so much joy out of watching people use their talents. Makes me want to scream "CONGRATS ON FINDING WHAT YOU WERE BORN TO DO!!!!!!" I also love being surrounded by people who are all there to enjoy and appreciate the same thing. It feels like a solidarity that has been sorely lacking over the last year and a half...
This week has felt so heavy....especially with the news coming out of Afghanistan. Plus this week, Georgia had the highest number of COVID deaths in one day since last MARCH. I can't understand why people that are eligible are refusing the vaccine, and it makes me feel so angry and helpless. Speaking of anger and helplessness, tomorrow, I'm supposed to go to a family bridal shower for my cousin--the first time I've seen most of my extended family since Christmas 2019 (except for the few people who came to my grandfather's funeral). I've been very hurt from that side of the family over the last year and a half, so I'm feeling nervous about seeing them in person...Your prayers and good thoughts would be much appreciated.
Random question--have any of y'all ever been to a life coach? The last few months, I've been wondering if life is crazy and hard right now, or am I depressed? Do I need a therapist? Or a life coach? Or a glass of water? Who even knows lol. Just curious if any of y'all have and what your experience was.
Hope you have the best weekend available to you, and can stay cool! Jesus be a raindrop!!
Thank you kindly for introducing me to @kevinjamesthornton last week. He is a national treasure. I watch his videos over and over and giggle every time. This one really got me. Enjoy, tootses (the plural of toots!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTDRcwjhU7X/?utm_medium=copy_link
Happy Friday, y'all! This is quick because my bestie is in town for a tiny little 48-hour visit, and we have lots and lots of talking to do!
I met with my gynecologist this week (she's really nice, Beth!), and she cheerily informed me that I'm headed into menopause and that's why my periods are so wonky. It's a little disconcerting because I'm only 44, but I'm also totally fine with the monthly drama coming to an end early and naturally.
I've been obsessing over dance clips on Instagram by @itsslavik and @aubrey_fisher. I've talked my 11-year-old into hip-hop classes to I can live vicariously through her.
I live "Jesus be a raindrop", but honestly? Jesus be a cold front. I'm so done with 95 degrees and blazing sunshine.
Oh Laudie -it's been a season. I truly would get up early if it was the only way to read these comments and newsletter on Fridays - though thankfully it is not as insomnia has been a bear. I'm here for all my chronic illnesses friends as the fatigue but insomnia that leads to dancing legs has come down hard again. But I have two specialist appointments this month so bring some relief!
My heart breaks for the world and my healthy 8/unhealthy 2 (I can't decide really guys) cannot take only being able to give money and prayers. I know it helps but give me some dang activities to actually do. My work was sending people to the airport to help with the transfer/custom process for the big plans coming in but the feds took over the night before my shift.
Update on my whiplash of a relationship - being single after 8 years then being semi-engaged and all that and more. We are moving forward with wedding planning but the official ring has not come back on the finger. He says he wants it to be special but every day that passes makes me a little more on edge. Why do men not understand timing and planning or maybe it's just mine.... He literally said in July - I just realized Oct is like 4 months away; I kept thinking it was 6-7 when you would talk about needing to hurry up.... What have I gotten myself into. Thankfully this "Delightful" personality quirk is actually one of the gifts he's brought me into being in the moment more than I though I'd ever be able to.
Also, my mom is sending me pictures of flowers or bridesmaid dresses every 5 seconds. You would think it was her wedding!
Anyway, done with my bit of rambling. here are some treasures:
- I can't help but put this in here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTAcSKsJtsL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link -- It is the light of my life hope it helps you!
- https://www.buzzfeed.com/salimahmccullough/fan-theories-that-people-truly-believe-are-true?origin=hbnl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=As/Is%208/9&utm_term=As/Is%20confirmed%20%28engaged%29
- Two of my go two word smiths came right as needed this week: Ann Voskamp (https://annvoskamp.com/2021/06/when-you-want-a-different-timeline-the-story-is-hard/?fbclid=IwAR1JLe4q2q0idxeWikF7pIKFHTJ6KlEPvqYhBNEb1-6rHdyRwF77qtObo50) and Emily P Freeman (https://emilypfreeman.com/feel-home-world/ - PS does anyone just want her to narrative your inner monologue or at least every audio book you've ever listened too??)
- Finally caving and buying Olive and June to get that stormy blue/muted navy color that just came out.
Hi friends! Happy Friday! It's pajama day here; honestly, it's one of the best reasons to work in an elementary school. I really wish we could make it a weekly thing.
✨ After my haircut last week, it now takes me about a minute to blow dry my hair every morning. It used to take over five 🙌🙌🙌
✨ I bought this romper last Friday and it came in Wednesday. I will not be wearing anything else all weekend https://factory.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/pajamas/pajama-sets/lounge-romper-in-signature-cozy-yarn/AY294?display=all&fit=Classic&color_name=marled-gray&colorProductCode=AY294
✨ I'm all also about dresses that are work appropriate but also feel like night gowns. I present these: https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/dresses-and-jumpsuits/tiered-dress-in-broken-in-jersey/AX974?display=all&fit=Classic&color_name=navy&colorProductCode=AX974 Bonus, its on sale and you can get a extra 30% off the sale price. I have heard of a similar style at Walmart but I can never find it.
✨ After multiple AT&T calls, the internet has been restored. I can finally catch up and Ted Lasso and Schmigadoon. If you need this weekend, you can find me on a couch with a big blanket and those shows.
Treasure/turd: I am back to stress shopping as a coping mechanism for the stress of teaching and rising covid numbers (as evidenced by my treasures this week) .😬 I maintain there are worst things 😂
We made it to another Friday! I'm so glad to be here with you all. 💜
Good morning lil' swipes! There's no better description for my last few weeks than that tweet about adults needing to scream. Today feels slightly less overwhelming though so I'm taking what I can get. My doctor agree to run more blood test (trying to for sure rule out RA and also to check vitamin/iron levels. We also started a new med which seems to be helping but it's still early. I'm feeling more human each day, as long as I actually sleep at night - which, fingers crossed, is going well so far.
A few other treasures:
-I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNTIE! My little sister is pregnant and I'm soaking up all the auntie feels. She's due in March and I'm so excited. We should find out in about a week what she's having. I can't wait to buy all the tiny baby clothes. We live next door to each other so I'll get to soak in baby love any time I want.
-My grad school classes are way, way easier this semester. This summer almost killed me but the particular classes I'm taking this semester are much lighter, and honestly more interesting which always helps.
-I'm starting Taylor Schumann's Writing In the Cracks mentorship soon and I'm thrilled to actually focus on something I've wanted to do for so long.
-The new Halsey album is out and I'm not listening to anything else forever.
-I've finally got my reading bug back and it's such a relief. I just started "The People We Keep" and its wonderful. I'd love any recommendations for novels you're reading (I say as my giant TBR stack glares back at me).
School start next week. Kids havent been in a classroom since March 2020. Plus we are in the throws of two with teenage hormones and sullen-ness.
Can we just skip to the post teenage years already?
If you guys need some cooler weather you are welcome to mine. Earlier this week summer decided it was done here and skedaddled. It's now dark, super windy and barely 60 degrees. What the heck? Reading books on the patio was like the one good thing I had and now it's gone. Ok fine, there are probably more good things in my life but I am really struggling to see them right now. I'm not doing well mentally and I'm not doing well physically. And the things I need to do to improve my mental health makes my physical health deteriorate. How do you solve that? On top of that, it weighs on me more and more every day that I can't take the vaccine. I'm really starting to feel like I'll be stuck in this house forever. Stupid effing chronically ill body! Rant over, thanks for letting me get that out...
Anyway, thank God for library books and Netflix, I guess.
Speaking of library books: https://twitter.com/qikipedia/status/1430152913704296457