Oh that would be helpful. 🤦🏻♀️😆 It's here on Substack, on this exact site! When you sign up, you get the locked posts and if you don't join the membership option, you just don't see those! Let me know if you need more info, Abby. Thank you!
Hello everyone! I’ve read the swipe up for many moons now, but didn’t venture into this lovely place of comments until today when I subscribed for swipe up+!
I’m already a little weepy reading all the comments and seeing the vulnerability being continuously displayed and met with kindness and safety.
🏡 I’m desperate for that vulnerability and safety in my own life- I’m very much in dry season with God. I was spiritually and emotionally abused for years working for a church. (Listen to the rise and fall of mars hill podcast and it is both triggering and therapeutic). I left that job when my husband and I moved to Colorado hut as Covid hit last year, which lol super hard to make friends or have any community since then.
🏥 I have also had 2 surgeries and 6 months of hormone therapy (I have been an emotional monster with hot flashes to boot lol) and hoping that my one remaining ovary will soon work and allow my husband and I to get pregnant. It has to happen quick because my PCOS and endometriosis can come back very quickly.
BRIGHT SPOTS:
☀️We are moving to Nashville at the end of the year (Greenbrier to be exact) and are under contract for a home! Just waiting for the dang appraisal to happen.
🌺 growing flowers has been both therapy and delight for me, and we’ll have half an acre to try to be amateur flower farmers. So any of you near Nashville, I’d love to bring you flowers next year! 😊
❄️ it has gotten cooler this week in Colorado Springs which is a Godsend as our home doesn’t have a/c and this Texas girl has never lived without it in the summer til this year! I slept under the covers last night! Woohoo!
That’s all for now. I love y’all already. I’m so excited to dive deeper, comment more, and get going in swipe up+!!!
I do not live in Nashville, but I’m there once a year for something, maybe we can meet up sometime! I can also send you a list of favorite things to do and see and eat there.
All the prayers for that ovary to do the thing. We’re in the fertility journey too and find ourselves saying every time that window of ovulatory opportunity closes for the month, “it just takes one. God, give us the one.”
And it has not been answered yet but I’m praying it for you too.
I’m starting off the 10th month of the year with ten days off work, and I’m thrilled! To say that I needed a break would be an understatement. My last real break was in May and burnout has made my brain become completely unreliable. Like I was locked out of my personal computer last night, because even muscle memory couldn’t remember my passcode despite using it the day prior
⛸ Ice skating update: I’ve been in classes for over a month now, and I’m actually decently good at it! And more importantly, I’m loving it!
🎉 I’m going to Disney World for a few days and hopefully will get to see Jillian while I’m there! I plan to eat everything and buy too much stuff. I cannot wait!
⚽️ I’ve been mainlining Ted Lasso to maintain sanity
Please Marco Polo me from various spots on your Disney trip. You don’t even need to say anything, just take me along. Set me on the neighboring beach chair while you read at the pool. Plop me in the boat while you ride Small World.
Yesterday started off with a glass mason jar filled with mini chocolate chips shattering on the ground, and that's basically how the week's been over here.
Still struggling with my oldest and school - my Mama Bear Advocate instincts and my Special Education Behavior Specialist knowledges have combined and the whole thing feels like a huge puzzle that needs to be solved with some observation and thoughts about antecedent behaviors. While I still cry because it feels like every day a teacher has to tell me what my son did wrong, I'm also feeling a bit empowered in remembering all the observational questions and role-playing actions I can take at home. But still. Friends who have children that struggle with behavior in school, what else can I do?
Treasures:
- Bought a half bushel of honeycrisp apples at the farmer's market (that's 25 lbs of apples) that I may be hoarding and only handing out as treats around here, they taste that good
- Putting a spoonful of TJs salted caramel hot cocoa mix into my coffee YUM
Next week I get to go surprise visit my sister at JMU and watch her perform in the marching band! And it's October, all the leaves are changing, and it's finally crisp outside; so FULL FALL STEAM AHEAD.
I am SO GLAD you liked the hard cider pretzels. We're making them this weekend and I was nervous. Would you say they would be easy for someone who doesn't understand a lot about cooking? 😬
Hello friends. It has been two weeks full of some big feelings. Between navigating the ongoing reality that it has been a full decade since my dad died, some weird dynamics with my in-laws, and how disoriented I feel about the choices about covid and political stances from some of the people I love most- the wild women have been especially wild this week. After a nap time incident that involved an entire container of Vicks and some 💩 diapers, I completely lost my ish on the girls yesterday. It was a disaster and I’m NOT proud of how I handled myself. I was not the mom I want to be. Thankful for grace and new mercies and that my spicy-sweet babies forgave me. Super thankful for a husband who is truly a partner. Thankful for a friend who dropped off a loaf of freshly baked sourdough- made with the recipe and over a century old starter that she was given from her dad before he passed away from Covid last year. And- really thankful for this consistent welcoming loving space every Friday. Much love to you all ❤️
Oh gosh, I feel you on the milestone anniversaries. What is it about whole numbers and double digits that make those griefs hit home for us? I am so sorry you have had such a difficult week, but I know that grace is the thread that weaves this whole tapestry together.
Actually tearing up as a I read this comment because I’m so with you. I am reminded that we are not alone in the trenches of our grief. Nor are we alone in the messes we walk into, whether it’s Vicks+poop or frustrating conversations or our own struggle with how we handle ourselves in these situations. You are not alone. Love you so much, friend.
Y’all, I have missed you like wow. I have been MIA for months, because *gestures around*. But I haven’t hit “Subscribe Now” this fast since Erin first announced The Swipe Up, lo those many years ago. So freaking excited.
☀️ Just as everyone is dusting off their boots and ordering their Pumpkin Chestnut Apple Toffee Spice All The Things, Southern California is hitting its summer stride. It is quite literally the thing that almost does me in every year. The weather is a delight 9 months out of the year, but even after almost a decade here, I’m not sure trading fall for 9 months of temperate weather is worth it. Look, I know. All you TX summer people and Midwest/Northeast winter people are the real MVPs with your extreme temps. But I just want to stomp through some dang leaves in my dang boots without sweating my a$$ off.
🍂So, it’s October 1st, and apparently I woke up salty. So I’m going to stop there and give myself a time out to think about what I’ve done. Sorry for the whiny rant.
Tracey, I am was born a Midwesterner and now live in PA, but spent a few years in northern CA - and I could not get over the lack of fall and all the dry dead grass. "Golden waves" sounds way better than it looks.
Y'all we made it to October. One more heat wave here in Sacramento this weekend and then 70s and 80s. I could cry. I dont comment much, but the last time I did it was about how I felt solidarity with Erin about packing and moving. Well. We decided to rent back our old place until May. Some of our stuff is in boxes. Including, I think, our winter coats. So it will be a weird fall and winter. But its all good. We are getting used to limbo in so many areas of life what's one more? Anyway. Excited for Swipe Up+. And for trying to participate more around here. Meanwhile, one of the places we might move is Wisconsin. Any Wisconsinites have the scoop on life and real estate in the Other Land of Cheese?
It does! I love to play in the summer sun, but sheesh! 100+ since May is quite enough! :) I love opening the slider in the morning and feeling the cool, fresh breeze.
Good morning! I am writing this on the sly from my desk at work, where I am not usually sitting on Fridays. But alas, tax deadlines and my darn work ethic (and also inability to say no). This week has been a mix of turds and treasures. I'll skip the turds and go straight to treasures.
First, my son tested negative for Covid not once, but twice. (All the eye rolls for all the tests this kid has had in the last five weeks.)
Second, the weather finally cooled off here in central Oklahoma and it looks like we have 70s for at least a few days. Am I wearing a sweater today? 100%.
Lastly, I received my fall gift exchange gift and, you guys, when I tell you this was absolutely the highlight of my week it is not an exaggeration. First, I received a "Bartlett for President" coffee mug which by itself was fabulous. But then. I got a box that had this really pretty packing tape printed with what I assumed was the sender's name (it was). I opened it and found a very kind note that explained what was included. It was an art print. But not just any art print. Morgan Auten Smith is an artist in our group and last year she did a large painting inspired by the Stupid Walk™ and was kind enough to include a print of that painting as a gift. It is so lovely! I set it up in my closet until I can get a frame and it was the very first thing my eyes saw when I turned on the light the next morning and I literally felt a spark of joy. She also sent a hand painted ornament that will jazz up my tree this year (y'all, seriously go follow her on IG).
Alright, I really have to get back to work as I have an appointment at 1:00 and really want to finish this so I'm not taking it home with me. I will try to remember later to post a pic of the print on my IG so you can all enjoy it with me!
Beth, where in central Okla?? I live in San Diego now, but grew up in Edmond and still have family in Norman. I always feel inordinately giddy when I find another Oklahoman in the wild.
Just a note to say how proud I am of Erin for taking the leap to the Swipe Up+! I'm also thrilled for the dis/entangle study as I'm one of those humans who pesters her in the DMs about this very topic!!
Hellooooo October! I love the -ber months and the signal that fall and winter festivities bring ☺️☺️ Erin, that drivers license tweet sent me 😂
Feeling contemplative and trying to be kind to myself, so here are a few treasures that have been lovely utensils in my toolkit.
🎮 not usually a gamer, but Hrishikesh Hirway wrote about the game Gris in his most recent newsletter (https://hrishikesh.bulletin.com/1012871106162999/). I was intrigued and downloaded it, and it has been the perfect little balm of focus and processing. Would recommend if you have a few bucks to spare!
☕️ have to share my favorite way to have the Apple Brown Sugar syrup at Starbucks: in their shaken espresso! For best results, order a shaken espresso with Blonde espresso, oatmilk, and 3 pumps of the syrup for a grande.
📺 I’ve been dogsitting for my friend this past week, and cannot recommend enough rewatching Gilmore Girls and having puppy snuggles
Ditto! I can't do sweet coffee drinks but I think I could handle a dialed down version of this - I always want something fun because the freaking marketing gets me EVERY TIME.
that is my starbucks secret - I ask them to half the syrup in the recipe and blonde espresso every time. Also highly recommend asking them to add syrup to cold foam for iced drinks instead of the drink itself!
Good morning! I'm so excited for Swipe Up+!! Good for you, Erin! I love the logo, too! (Has that always been there...?) It has been a very draining and rough week at work. I've leveled up my job search and had an interview yesterday. I'm in a weird place of being excited for the possibility, but squashing down my hopes so they don't get dashed... Anyways--if you know of an event planning or communications position in the Atlanta area (or remote!) let me know! :) Treasure from this week was getting pictures of our students in Malawi getting new school uniforms! <3
1) Love that someone else calls themselves by their last name when they need a start talking it! It's like "Van Ee GET OUT OF BED!" every day ending in y.
2) Why is a white shirt and jeans my favorite outfit yet I cannot keep a white shirt over 2 months before it's devastatedly destroyed by food/drink/sweat?
3) Taking suggestions for bridesmaid proposal box. Trying to not have it cost like my whole paycheck but also want it to be fun but also want people to get something they'll use and not just another tumbler that will sit in their cupboard.
4) Treasure: Looking up all the local trails for anticipating color change!
5) Turd: on going random days of nerve pain. Please Lord Jesus may the doctors have some ideas next week!
One of my friends did a screen printed cloth tote bag with a wonderful note and a small bunch of flowers inside. It’s been 6 years and I still use that tote as my library bag!
My friend got us all small glass jewelers boxes with our first initial on the lid. Jewelry for the wedding was inside as well. Might be a bit pricey but I legit still use mine to this day… going on 9 years of usage FYI.
One of my favorites was a small, custom puzzle that put together was an image of stars and said "Oh my stars! I'm getting married! Be my bridesmaid?" I dont know that it was "usable" but it was charming and memorable.
I love a sweet piece of jewelry that can double as a bridesmaid gift. Although I once received a Wendy's coupon book for a bridesmaid gift so I may not be up on my current wedding trends. 😆
For my bridesmaid proposals I just did personalized cards through a website called Zazzle. They looked so pretty! But I've also seen people do jewelry that they can wear the day of the wedding.
Yaaaay swipe up+ !!! That is amazing Erin. Pumped!
Thank you to all of you who prayed and said kind excited things about the wedding! I have Lots of Thoughts and Feelings™️ about the last two weeks so I’ll try to keep it brief…
- the day itself was an beautiful blur. I wish I could’ve stayed and talked to everyone for ten hours but I swear I blinked and the reception was over.
- we honeymooned in Portland, Maine and it was awesome. 10/10 recommend as a vacation spot. I ate a caprese grilled cheese sandwich that low key changed my life.
- being married is beautiful and also hard and weird. This new last name doesn’t fit me yet. My life feels upside down and my body is spitting out a lot of anxiety in response to this transition. Married folks, would love your thoughts here: did you feel this way? is there anything to be done about this other than just a good ol fashioned “give it time”?
I FOR SURE felt that transition after getting married. I just remember getting back from our honeymoon- our flight was delayed, we couldn’t find our car in the lot and it was super late until we got back to our house (which was my husband’s for 3 years before we got married). I just wanted to put on a pair of sweatpants and go to bed but I could not find any of my clothes. I crawled into bed, my husband said good night and rolled over, and I just started sobbing. I just didn’t feel like I was home, or had a home anymore. It took a few months, but I eventually got there. I know for sure that the birth control that I was on did NOT help my emotions or that transition, though!
Portland, Maine sounds incredible right now! And to echo everyone else, that weirdness is real, and good on you for recognizing it and naming it early. I definitely had the same feelings, but didn't acknowledge it for several months until I had found myself crying to my husband, "I don't know how to be a WIFE! Who let me become one!?" There's no one way to do it, and you'll figure it out as you go. Don't compare yourself to others or to what you think it "should" look like. You are still you AND you added this new thing to the vision board that is your life. It's not a whole new board :)
For probably the whole first year after I got married, when I introduced myself with my married name I felt like I needed to say “but I was a whole other person with a whole, big life under a different name! This name is new, and not really me yet, and it like deleted the last 23 years of my life - like I feel like I need to introduce you to that person too!!” So, yeah, weird. It’s a dimmer, not a light switch. It will get less weird. Congrats!!!
Getting married is such a huge life change. I recommend talking a lot with your husband about the weirdness. He’s probably feeling it too. It will pass and you will become a strong team.
Congratulations! And yes, feeling weird and upside down is a good way to describe it. Marriage is beautiful and hard at the same time. The first year is tough, so lots of grace and gentleness. I can laugh now, but one of the biggest disagreements my husband and I ever had was about merging our filing systems. 😆 Sometimes I still get mad about it! 😂 Congratulations again.
Thanks Ellen! Yes, I absolutely felt weird after getting married. Everyone gets extra grace, for sure. It is, unfortunately, a good old fashioned "give it time."
I just got married back in 2020 and I decided to have two last names---if you haven't officially changed your name yet, maybe consider this option. It has no hyphen (since the hyphen adds all kinds of problems) and professionally I still go by my original name. My business bank account will stay in my first name, and that will be totally legal since I legally have two last names. I really questioned whether or not to change my name (and my husband just wanted me to be happy and didn't care either way), and I guess I just want to encourage you to do what works for you, not just what society seems to suggest you "need" to do in order to be married for real. I feel you on the weird feelings, though. It's been a wonderful change in my life, but a CHANGE for realsies. I second the comment below about communication. My husband and I are both very independent, so blending our lives has been challenging at times, but because we are willing to talk about everything honestly, it has made it so much easier.
I'm recently married, and it has been wonderful, but changing my name was so sad for me. I was the last one with the family name and now it's gone :( I am also still mourning the loss of my house that I lived it for the first part of my adult life and that I loved so very much. I still drive by there every now and then just to reminisce.
Congrats on marriage, Ellen! The first year can be tough - it was for us. While it does take time to get used to, the best advice I have in the meantime is communicate, communicate, communicate (which I did not do a great job of in that first year and was part of why it was so hard). It's hard blending two lives, two ways of doing things, two extended families. Something we had to work through was: Is the way I do (fill in the blank) unhealthy, or just different? We had lots of hard convos revolving around that kind of stuff.
Are comments on Lil Treasures posts now limited to Swipe Up+ members only?
Erin! I'm excited for your membership option! Could you share more about where the community will be housed for interaction?
Oh that would be helpful. 🤦🏻♀️😆 It's here on Substack, on this exact site! When you sign up, you get the locked posts and if you don't join the membership option, you just don't see those! Let me know if you need more info, Abby. Thank you!
Congratulations on your membership launch, Erin! ⭐️
Thank you, Melinda!
Hello everyone! I’ve read the swipe up for many moons now, but didn’t venture into this lovely place of comments until today when I subscribed for swipe up+!
I’m already a little weepy reading all the comments and seeing the vulnerability being continuously displayed and met with kindness and safety.
🏡 I’m desperate for that vulnerability and safety in my own life- I’m very much in dry season with God. I was spiritually and emotionally abused for years working for a church. (Listen to the rise and fall of mars hill podcast and it is both triggering and therapeutic). I left that job when my husband and I moved to Colorado hut as Covid hit last year, which lol super hard to make friends or have any community since then.
🏥 I have also had 2 surgeries and 6 months of hormone therapy (I have been an emotional monster with hot flashes to boot lol) and hoping that my one remaining ovary will soon work and allow my husband and I to get pregnant. It has to happen quick because my PCOS and endometriosis can come back very quickly.
BRIGHT SPOTS:
☀️We are moving to Nashville at the end of the year (Greenbrier to be exact) and are under contract for a home! Just waiting for the dang appraisal to happen.
🌺 growing flowers has been both therapy and delight for me, and we’ll have half an acre to try to be amateur flower farmers. So any of you near Nashville, I’d love to bring you flowers next year! 😊
❄️ it has gotten cooler this week in Colorado Springs which is a Godsend as our home doesn’t have a/c and this Texas girl has never lived without it in the summer til this year! I slept under the covers last night! Woohoo!
That’s all for now. I love y’all already. I’m so excited to dive deeper, comment more, and get going in swipe up+!!!
Joy! I love this! I love a lot of people in Nashville - I know you'll love it.
Thank you Erin! ❤️
I do not live in Nashville, but I’m there once a year for something, maybe we can meet up sometime! I can also send you a list of favorite things to do and see and eat there.
I would love that!
Welcome! You have the best name.
Haha thank you! I’ve been told my name sounds like a Christmas elf.
All the prayers for that ovary to do the thing. We’re in the fertility journey too and find ourselves saying every time that window of ovulatory opportunity closes for the month, “it just takes one. God, give us the one.”
And it has not been answered yet but I’m praying it for you too.
Thank you Tamara, I will be praying the same for you! ❤️
Hey friends!
I’m starting off the 10th month of the year with ten days off work, and I’m thrilled! To say that I needed a break would be an understatement. My last real break was in May and burnout has made my brain become completely unreliable. Like I was locked out of my personal computer last night, because even muscle memory couldn’t remember my passcode despite using it the day prior
⛸ Ice skating update: I’ve been in classes for over a month now, and I’m actually decently good at it! And more importantly, I’m loving it!
🎉 I’m going to Disney World for a few days and hopefully will get to see Jillian while I’m there! I plan to eat everything and buy too much stuff. I cannot wait!
⚽️ I’ve been mainlining Ted Lasso to maintain sanity
🍪 Chick-fil-A cookies are a necessity these days
DM me with Disney World dates! I’m a pass holder too! And I hang with Jillian semi regularly, so maybe we could make a mini reunion out of it. 😁
Please Marco Polo me from various spots on your Disney trip. You don’t even need to say anything, just take me along. Set me on the neighboring beach chair while you read at the pool. Plop me in the boat while you ride Small World.
Have so much fun!!
I will absolutely do that!
I’m with Tamara. Imma need details on the CFA cookies.
See below 😁🍪
Disney! Jillian! Rest!
And please tell me more about these cookies.
They are oatmeal chocolate chip and heavy on the chocolate chip!
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Yesterday started off with a glass mason jar filled with mini chocolate chips shattering on the ground, and that's basically how the week's been over here.
Still struggling with my oldest and school - my Mama Bear Advocate instincts and my Special Education Behavior Specialist knowledges have combined and the whole thing feels like a huge puzzle that needs to be solved with some observation and thoughts about antecedent behaviors. While I still cry because it feels like every day a teacher has to tell me what my son did wrong, I'm also feeling a bit empowered in remembering all the observational questions and role-playing actions I can take at home. But still. Friends who have children that struggle with behavior in school, what else can I do?
Treasures:
- Bought a half bushel of honeycrisp apples at the farmer's market (that's 25 lbs of apples) that I may be hoarding and only handing out as treats around here, they taste that good
- Made these pretzels and may make them again, SO DELICIOUS (don't skip the dip, it's essential) https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/hard-cider-pretzels/
- Read this book IN A DAY and hardcore Hacked My Crying (trigger warning: cancer) https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Summer-Morgan-Matson/dp/1416990682
- Rereading this book because it's the perfect moody autumn evening book and I LOVE the Austin Family above all https://www.amazon.com/Young-Unicorns-Austin-Family-Chronicles/dp/0312379331
- Putting a spoonful of TJs salted caramel hot cocoa mix into my coffee YUM
Next week I get to go surprise visit my sister at JMU and watch her perform in the marching band! And it's October, all the leaves are changing, and it's finally crisp outside; so FULL FALL STEAM AHEAD.
I am SO GLAD you liked the hard cider pretzels. We're making them this weekend and I was nervous. Would you say they would be easy for someone who doesn't understand a lot about cooking? 😬
I super love making soft pretzels! Was the cider taste in these super pronounced?
You could smell it in the dough, but not really taste it much at all!
Gotcha! They look so good, and honey mustard is my favorite dip for pretzels!!
Just subscribed for the year - so excited! 📚😎💖
I'm not crying.
Hello friends. It has been two weeks full of some big feelings. Between navigating the ongoing reality that it has been a full decade since my dad died, some weird dynamics with my in-laws, and how disoriented I feel about the choices about covid and political stances from some of the people I love most- the wild women have been especially wild this week. After a nap time incident that involved an entire container of Vicks and some 💩 diapers, I completely lost my ish on the girls yesterday. It was a disaster and I’m NOT proud of how I handled myself. I was not the mom I want to be. Thankful for grace and new mercies and that my spicy-sweet babies forgave me. Super thankful for a husband who is truly a partner. Thankful for a friend who dropped off a loaf of freshly baked sourdough- made with the recipe and over a century old starter that she was given from her dad before he passed away from Covid last year. And- really thankful for this consistent welcoming loving space every Friday. Much love to you all ❤️
Oh gosh, I feel you on the milestone anniversaries. What is it about whole numbers and double digits that make those griefs hit home for us? I am so sorry you have had such a difficult week, but I know that grace is the thread that weaves this whole tapestry together.
love you friend, those milestone anniversaries hit really differently. and thankful for you at your best and losing your ish-ness. love YOU
Actually tearing up as a I read this comment because I’m so with you. I am reminded that we are not alone in the trenches of our grief. Nor are we alone in the messes we walk into, whether it’s Vicks+poop or frustrating conversations or our own struggle with how we handle ourselves in these situations. You are not alone. Love you so much, friend.
Y’all, I have missed you like wow. I have been MIA for months, because *gestures around*. But I haven’t hit “Subscribe Now” this fast since Erin first announced The Swipe Up, lo those many years ago. So freaking excited.
☀️ Just as everyone is dusting off their boots and ordering their Pumpkin Chestnut Apple Toffee Spice All The Things, Southern California is hitting its summer stride. It is quite literally the thing that almost does me in every year. The weather is a delight 9 months out of the year, but even after almost a decade here, I’m not sure trading fall for 9 months of temperate weather is worth it. Look, I know. All you TX summer people and Midwest/Northeast winter people are the real MVPs with your extreme temps. But I just want to stomp through some dang leaves in my dang boots without sweating my a$$ off.
🍂So, it’s October 1st, and apparently I woke up salty. So I’m going to stop there and give myself a time out to think about what I’ve done. Sorry for the whiny rant.
Love you guys. Mean it.
I love the salt, never come without it!
Ha!! Thanks, Jillian! My default setting. 😂
Tracey, I am was born a Midwesterner and now live in PA, but spent a few years in northern CA - and I could not get over the lack of fall and all the dry dead grass. "Golden waves" sounds way better than it looks.
Always bring your salt :)
I feel seen!
Y'all we made it to October. One more heat wave here in Sacramento this weekend and then 70s and 80s. I could cry. I dont comment much, but the last time I did it was about how I felt solidarity with Erin about packing and moving. Well. We decided to rent back our old place until May. Some of our stuff is in boxes. Including, I think, our winter coats. So it will be a weird fall and winter. But its all good. We are getting used to limbo in so many areas of life what's one more? Anyway. Excited for Swipe Up+. And for trying to participate more around here. Meanwhile, one of the places we might move is Wisconsin. Any Wisconsinites have the scoop on life and real estate in the Other Land of Cheese?
Yay for cooler weather! Makes such a difference.
It does! I love to play in the summer sun, but sheesh! 100+ since May is quite enough! :) I love opening the slider in the morning and feeling the cool, fresh breeze.
I know some basics from growing up in Iowa and having college friends. Let me know if you want generalizations of areas!
That would be great! My email is in the contact spreadsheet with the other CA gals, if you want to exchange emails.
Good morning! I am writing this on the sly from my desk at work, where I am not usually sitting on Fridays. But alas, tax deadlines and my darn work ethic (and also inability to say no). This week has been a mix of turds and treasures. I'll skip the turds and go straight to treasures.
First, my son tested negative for Covid not once, but twice. (All the eye rolls for all the tests this kid has had in the last five weeks.)
Second, the weather finally cooled off here in central Oklahoma and it looks like we have 70s for at least a few days. Am I wearing a sweater today? 100%.
Lastly, I received my fall gift exchange gift and, you guys, when I tell you this was absolutely the highlight of my week it is not an exaggeration. First, I received a "Bartlett for President" coffee mug which by itself was fabulous. But then. I got a box that had this really pretty packing tape printed with what I assumed was the sender's name (it was). I opened it and found a very kind note that explained what was included. It was an art print. But not just any art print. Morgan Auten Smith is an artist in our group and last year she did a large painting inspired by the Stupid Walk™ and was kind enough to include a print of that painting as a gift. It is so lovely! I set it up in my closet until I can get a frame and it was the very first thing my eyes saw when I turned on the light the next morning and I literally felt a spark of joy. She also sent a hand painted ornament that will jazz up my tree this year (y'all, seriously go follow her on IG).
Alright, I really have to get back to work as I have an appointment at 1:00 and really want to finish this so I'm not taking it home with me. I will try to remember later to post a pic of the print on my IG so you can all enjoy it with me!
Beth, where in central Okla?? I live in San Diego now, but grew up in Edmond and still have family in Norman. I always feel inordinately giddy when I find another Oklahoman in the wild.
I live in Edmond and work in OKC (right next to Baptist hospital).
Wahoo! What's her instagram? what's yours? I need more happy humans/sarcastic gems in my instagram feed!
I think it’s morgan_auten_smith! (Going on memory right now.)
Just a note to say how proud I am of Erin for taking the leap to the Swipe Up+! I'm also thrilled for the dis/entangle study as I'm one of those humans who pesters her in the DMs about this very topic!!
Hellooooo October! I love the -ber months and the signal that fall and winter festivities bring ☺️☺️ Erin, that drivers license tweet sent me 😂
Feeling contemplative and trying to be kind to myself, so here are a few treasures that have been lovely utensils in my toolkit.
🎮 not usually a gamer, but Hrishikesh Hirway wrote about the game Gris in his most recent newsletter (https://hrishikesh.bulletin.com/1012871106162999/). I was intrigued and downloaded it, and it has been the perfect little balm of focus and processing. Would recommend if you have a few bucks to spare!
☕️ have to share my favorite way to have the Apple Brown Sugar syrup at Starbucks: in their shaken espresso! For best results, order a shaken espresso with Blonde espresso, oatmilk, and 3 pumps of the syrup for a grande.
📺 I’ve been dogsitting for my friend this past week, and cannot recommend enough rewatching Gilmore Girls and having puppy snuggles
📝 a few affirmations on IG (https://www.instagram.com/p/CUbFcpUptXH/?utm_medium=copy_link // https://www.instagram.com/p/CUa4lK3PdlJ/?utm_medium=copy_link // https://www.instagram.com/p/CUaKZA4M4sN/?utm_medium=copy_link) and some ways to show up for friends and family who need help (https://www.instagram.com/p/CUa-Eq6v13y/?utm_medium=copy_link)
📱 this Tiktok made me LOL when I desperately needed a belly laugh. Fair warning, 💩 humor so proceed at own risk - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRcnEgyR/
🎥 tiktok runners up, presented without comment 😂 - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRcnKqhX/ // https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRcWe4s5/ // https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRcWShr2/ // https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRcWRRXj/
love all you noble land mermaids 😘😘
I have been LOVING the doggie posts on your stories!
Omg! I have a 13 year old pug so the bones/no bones TikTok got me! So so good!
it cracked me up too!!
Noodle Dog is my Friday mood. Who are we kidding…Noodle Dog is my 2021 mood.
amen and amen :)
OMG those tiktoks!
Okay I'm gonna give the shaken espresso with Apple Brown Sugar a shot!
Report back :D
Ditto! I can't do sweet coffee drinks but I think I could handle a dialed down version of this - I always want something fun because the freaking marketing gets me EVERY TIME.
that is my starbucks secret - I ask them to half the syrup in the recipe and blonde espresso every time. Also highly recommend asking them to add syrup to cold foam for iced drinks instead of the drink itself!
Good morning! I'm so excited for Swipe Up+!! Good for you, Erin! I love the logo, too! (Has that always been there...?) It has been a very draining and rough week at work. I've leveled up my job search and had an interview yesterday. I'm in a weird place of being excited for the possibility, but squashing down my hopes so they don't get dashed... Anyways--if you know of an event planning or communications position in the Atlanta area (or remote!) let me know! :) Treasure from this week was getting pictures of our students in Malawi getting new school uniforms! <3
I hope you all have the best weekend possible!
job searching is the worst...except housing market - it all is all about dreaming with low expectations and my heart doesn't know what to do!
Crossing my fingers and saying my prayers for good job news, Sarah!
1) Love that someone else calls themselves by their last name when they need a start talking it! It's like "Van Ee GET OUT OF BED!" every day ending in y.
2) Why is a white shirt and jeans my favorite outfit yet I cannot keep a white shirt over 2 months before it's devastatedly destroyed by food/drink/sweat?
3) Taking suggestions for bridesmaid proposal box. Trying to not have it cost like my whole paycheck but also want it to be fun but also want people to get something they'll use and not just another tumbler that will sit in their cupboard.
4) Treasure: Looking up all the local trails for anticipating color change!
5) Turd: on going random days of nerve pain. Please Lord Jesus may the doctors have some ideas next week!
6) Treasure: Found a French Macroon class!
One of my friends did a screen printed cloth tote bag with a wonderful note and a small bunch of flowers inside. It’s been 6 years and I still use that tote as my library bag!
My friend got us all small glass jewelers boxes with our first initial on the lid. Jewelry for the wedding was inside as well. Might be a bit pricey but I legit still use mine to this day… going on 9 years of usage FYI.
One of my favorites was a small, custom puzzle that put together was an image of stars and said "Oh my stars! I'm getting married! Be my bridesmaid?" I dont know that it was "usable" but it was charming and memorable.
I love a sweet piece of jewelry that can double as a bridesmaid gift. Although I once received a Wendy's coupon book for a bridesmaid gift so I may not be up on my current wedding trends. 😆
For my bridesmaid proposals I just did personalized cards through a website called Zazzle. They looked so pretty! But I've also seen people do jewelry that they can wear the day of the wedding.
Yaaaay swipe up+ !!! That is amazing Erin. Pumped!
Thank you to all of you who prayed and said kind excited things about the wedding! I have Lots of Thoughts and Feelings™️ about the last two weeks so I’ll try to keep it brief…
- the day itself was an beautiful blur. I wish I could’ve stayed and talked to everyone for ten hours but I swear I blinked and the reception was over.
- we honeymooned in Portland, Maine and it was awesome. 10/10 recommend as a vacation spot. I ate a caprese grilled cheese sandwich that low key changed my life.
- being married is beautiful and also hard and weird. This new last name doesn’t fit me yet. My life feels upside down and my body is spitting out a lot of anxiety in response to this transition. Married folks, would love your thoughts here: did you feel this way? is there anything to be done about this other than just a good ol fashioned “give it time”?
Non-wedding treasure: I’m a sucker for a live recording and this classic (but with a twist) from John Mark McMillan just about did me in this morning. Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/2TcRnACU4UoiraVU9UbqMI?si=7BOFo1z_RH26-jtwZ6481A&dl_branch=1
I FOR SURE felt that transition after getting married. I just remember getting back from our honeymoon- our flight was delayed, we couldn’t find our car in the lot and it was super late until we got back to our house (which was my husband’s for 3 years before we got married). I just wanted to put on a pair of sweatpants and go to bed but I could not find any of my clothes. I crawled into bed, my husband said good night and rolled over, and I just started sobbing. I just didn’t feel like I was home, or had a home anymore. It took a few months, but I eventually got there. I know for sure that the birth control that I was on did NOT help my emotions or that transition, though!
Portland, Maine sounds incredible right now! And to echo everyone else, that weirdness is real, and good on you for recognizing it and naming it early. I definitely had the same feelings, but didn't acknowledge it for several months until I had found myself crying to my husband, "I don't know how to be a WIFE! Who let me become one!?" There's no one way to do it, and you'll figure it out as you go. Don't compare yourself to others or to what you think it "should" look like. You are still you AND you added this new thing to the vision board that is your life. It's not a whole new board :)
For probably the whole first year after I got married, when I introduced myself with my married name I felt like I needed to say “but I was a whole other person with a whole, big life under a different name! This name is new, and not really me yet, and it like deleted the last 23 years of my life - like I feel like I need to introduce you to that person too!!” So, yeah, weird. It’s a dimmer, not a light switch. It will get less weird. Congrats!!!
Getting married is such a huge life change. I recommend talking a lot with your husband about the weirdness. He’s probably feeling it too. It will pass and you will become a strong team.
Congratulations! And yes, feeling weird and upside down is a good way to describe it. Marriage is beautiful and hard at the same time. The first year is tough, so lots of grace and gentleness. I can laugh now, but one of the biggest disagreements my husband and I ever had was about merging our filing systems. 😆 Sometimes I still get mad about it! 😂 Congratulations again.
Thanks Ellen! Yes, I absolutely felt weird after getting married. Everyone gets extra grace, for sure. It is, unfortunately, a good old fashioned "give it time."
I just got married back in 2020 and I decided to have two last names---if you haven't officially changed your name yet, maybe consider this option. It has no hyphen (since the hyphen adds all kinds of problems) and professionally I still go by my original name. My business bank account will stay in my first name, and that will be totally legal since I legally have two last names. I really questioned whether or not to change my name (and my husband just wanted me to be happy and didn't care either way), and I guess I just want to encourage you to do what works for you, not just what society seems to suggest you "need" to do in order to be married for real. I feel you on the weird feelings, though. It's been a wonderful change in my life, but a CHANGE for realsies. I second the comment below about communication. My husband and I are both very independent, so blending our lives has been challenging at times, but because we are willing to talk about everything honestly, it has made it so much easier.
I'm recently married, and it has been wonderful, but changing my name was so sad for me. I was the last one with the family name and now it's gone :( I am also still mourning the loss of my house that I lived it for the first part of my adult life and that I loved so very much. I still drive by there every now and then just to reminisce.
Congrats on marriage, Ellen! The first year can be tough - it was for us. While it does take time to get used to, the best advice I have in the meantime is communicate, communicate, communicate (which I did not do a great job of in that first year and was part of why it was so hard). It's hard blending two lives, two ways of doing things, two extended families. Something we had to work through was: Is the way I do (fill in the blank) unhealthy, or just different? We had lots of hard convos revolving around that kind of stuff.