Hello and happy Thursday. My favorite day of the week…and it’s February 29…so happy leap year!
I love Patty and Holly’s end of the month link up, so I’m joining them today for Monthly Musings!
This month’s topic is surviving the winter months.
Well, after our round of winter weather in January, we haven’t had any more snow or freezing temps. Yesterday, we had crazy rounds of storms but then the temps definitely dropped again.
While I love a good dose of winter, I’m glad that I don’t feel like it’s something I have to “survive.”
Anyway, here’s how I “survive” the winter months:
1. What do you do in the winter that brings you joy?
A pretty snowfall and a snow day bring me joy in the winter. I realize I can’t control when we get snow, but when we have a snow day, I do try to savor it.
2. How do you stay warm and cozy?
I love when we turn on the fireplace, but now that I’m typing this, I’m realizing we haven’t done that this year.
Also, I love a sweatshirt, flannel pjs, a blanket and a warm cup of coffee to keep me warm. A lit candle always makes things extra cozy.
3. What are you looking forward to this winter?
Well, at this point, I feel like winter is basically over. Sorry to sound repetitive, but during the winter, I do look forward to snow. I’m so glad I live somewhere where I experience all four seasons…because I do think that means that I embrace and cherish each one.
4. Favorite wintertime activities?
I don’t do much out in the elements, but I loved the tradition of going tubing with friends once a year. Otherwise, the kids love being out in the snow with their friends.
I guess my favorite wintertime activity is staying inside bundled up and reading a good book.
5. Favorite month of winter?
January. To connect back to #1, January actually brings me joy. November and December have always felt like such a marathon, that once it’s January, I literally feel myself exhale.
January means a fresh start, a bit slower pace, my birthday and the chance for a snow day (or five! like we got this year)
6. Favorite dishes to make in the winter?
I use my slow cooker fall, winter, and spring, and I love making an easy meal. The winter months are all about comfort food, and we have more soups and casseroles. Chili is also a family favorite.
Tuesday night, I made this Pizza Pasta Bake, and it was a hit.
7. Gas or wood burning fireplace?
We have a gas burning fire place, and I love that ours is double sided. So, we can see through the living room to the kitchen…and vice versa.
8. Favorite winter hot beverage?
Well, I love my morning coffee year round, but in the winter, I will sometimes splurge on the occasional Starbucks. There, I usually get a hazelnut or pistachio latte.
I also like a London Fog from Starbucks.
9. Favorite winter movies?
In January, for Bloganuary, I shared this post about favorite movies.
10. How do you stay healthy in the winter?
Well, I don’t want to jinx it but after I was sick after Christmas, we’ve been pretty healthy. I try to drink plenty of water, exercise, and wash my hands.
To me, tomorrow, March 1st is officially spring. Now, I’m ready to count down to spring break…and then summer!
I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday….and it’s already the end of February.
Today, I’m sharing the books I read this month.
Well, unfortunately, my book reading average continues to stay at two books a month.
This month I read:
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
The Berry Pickers:
Summary:
A four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, sparking a tragic mystery that haunts the survivors, unravels a community, and remains unsolved for nearly fifty years.
July 1962. A Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia arrives in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. Weeks later, four-year-old Ruthie, the family’s youngest child, vanishes. She is last seen by her six-year-old brother, Joe, sitting on a favorite rock at the edge of a berry field. Joe will remain distraught by his sister’s disappearance for years to come.
In Maine, a young girl named Norma grows up as the only child of an affluent family. Her father is emotionally distant, her mother frustratingly overprotective. Norma is often troubled by recurring dreams and visions that seem more like memories than imagination. As she grows older, Norma slowly comes to realize there is something her parents aren’t telling her. Unwilling to abandon her intuition, she will spend decades trying to uncover this family secret.
Quick Thoughts:
I loved this book. I thought the premise was interesting as well as how the Norma’s past and present are woven together. Also, I thought the ending was very fitting and wrapped the plot up nicely.
Rating:
Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education:
Summary:
Maidwas a story about a house cleaner, but it was also a story about a woman with a dream. In Class, Land takes us with her as she finishes college and pursues her writing career. Facing barriers at every turn including a byzantine loan system, not having enough money for food, navigating the judgments of professors and fellow students who didn’t understand the demands of attending college while under the poverty line—Land finds a way to survive once again, finally graduating in her mid-thirties.
Classpaints an intimate and heartbreaking portrait of motherhood as it converges and often conflicts with personal desire and professional ambition. Who has the right to create art? Who has the right to go to college? And what kind of work is valued in our culture? In clear, candid, and moving prose, Class grapples with these questions, offering a searing indictment of America’s educational system and an inspiring testimony of a mother’s triumph against all odds.
Quick Thoughts:
This is another memoir by Stephanie Land. I’ve previously read Maid, and I thought it was such an interesting read. (I also enjoyed the Neflix series.) Like Maid, I thought this book was so powerful and again an eye-opening perspective for those who live below the poverty line. Picking up where she left off in Maid, I was interested to see how life was for Land and her daughter after their move to Montana. I think I enjoyed Maid more than Class, but I’m still glad that I read both.
Rating:
Maybe March will be my lucky month, and I will get three books read? I have started Shay’s Book Club Book from February: The Frozen River, and I’m really enjoying it.
Thanks to a suggestion from a reader, every month, I’m going to try and remember to add the books I read to my Instagram stories and then save to a highlight. Also, feel free to use my book trackers to share what you’ve been reading. I have those saved in highlights as well. I liked creating those and will make a couple for March too.
How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one. Overall, it was low-key, but we were pretty busy with Hayden’s basketball tournament.
Did you catch my Share 4 Somethingspost on Saturday?
I can’t believe it, but it’s the last Monday of the month, so I’m sharing some memes that made me laugh this month.
This is me…most Sundays. haha
This one is definitely relatable too. By Friday, I’m just ready to be home and too tired to do much else. Saturday is usually spent at some athletic event or running errands…and then Sundays are for prepping for the week!
I feel seen.
I’m good about starting laundry, really good at letting laundry sit in the dryer for as long as possible…and the worst about putting it away. Please tell me I’m not the only one!
Just ask my kids!
This one feels like something I would say:
I never really thought about this, but it’s so true. Thankfully, if I can snag a 3:30 or 4:00 appointment, it’s doable.
Why is everything so expensive?
Thursday is February 29th! Go ahead and jump to conclusions. haha
Well, I hope these started your week off with a laugh or two. I hope to post pretty regularly this week.
To start off the weekend, I’m linking up with Jennifer for Share 4 Somethings.
I love this quick little recap of the month.
This month I…
Loved:
Well, of course Valentine’s Day is all about love. We didn’t do much, but it’s the thought that counts.
I loved seeing the kids dressed up for their third cotillion dance.
I always love watching kids play sports that they love like basketball and volleyball.
And…Travis, Hayden and I saw the One Lovemovie last weekend…and it was interesting.
Accomplished:
We accomplishedfinishing up Hadley’s room, and it looks so nice.
…and I’ve been pretty good about accomplishing my February workouts.
Celebrated:
We celebrated the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl. Yay!
This week we also celebrated 8th grade night for Hayden and the basketball team.
Noticed:
I definitely noticed that it’s staying daylight longer, and this week it has definitely felt like spring. Secretly, I’d like one more good snow, but since it will be March this time next week, I’m also ok with continued warmer temps and sunshine.
I hope you have a great rest of your weekend. On Monday, I’m sharing some of my favorite memes that I’ve seen this month.
Why do the shorter weeks sometimes feel like the longest? It’s been a good week, but I’ve felt a bit “off” not knowing what day is what!
Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Today, I’m switching things up. Rather than share some “favorites” from the week, I asked Hadley to write a post. Recently, I saw a funny reel on Instagram about a mom who said she had to go into her daughter’s room to use the “good” beauty products. Relatable…haha
So, I thought today’s post would be a fun way to share some of her favorite products that she uses almost daily.
I’d say there’s something for everyone…not just for teens!
Here’s Hadley:
My mom is giving me the honor of writing another blog post. I will be showing you guys my favorite products and why I like them.
Here’s the line up:
My mom gets me most of these products at Target or Kroger, but I bet you can get them from Amazon too.
Fragrance mist: This is from Bath and Body Works, and I think I have used it for over a year now! Every time I see my friends, they compliment it and everyone always loves it. I use a couple of different sprays, but this is the one I’m using now. These sprays have a light scent, not as heavy as perfume.
Dry shampoo: The Bariste brand is my favorite, but the Kroger one works well too. This is perfect when it isn’t quite hair wash day yet and you need something to get you through the day without your hair looking greasy.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: This moisturizer is so good, and I don’t plan on changing it anytime soon! You will love it if you like a super light-weight and hydrating moisturizer.
Aquaphor: Aquaphor is my ride or die, my forever and always! I use it every single day. It lasts for a while, and it is super easy to apply on the go if you need a little shine or even just something to keep your lips from getting chapped.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing lotion – This PM moisturizer is also super light-weight and very smooth. I apply this every night at the end of my routine, and it keeps my skin from getting dry.
Garnier Cleansing Water – This Micellar water is also my ride or die. I use this for everything…as a toner, to get my makeup off, and to just get all the dirt off my face. You will never catch me not using this on the daily.
Covergirl mascara – I don’t know much about mascara and which one is good and which one is bad but this seems to be doing the job! I get compliments on my lashes everyday (it could be my natural long lashes or the mascara) either way I love this mascara and it gets the job done.
Dime Blue Facial Oil: My mom first bought this oil over a year ago, and I use it (and Hayden does too when needed) This oil is amazing for when you have a pimple that showed up to the party uninvited! I put this on at night when I have a pimple and when I wake up it’s gone (or at least more under control)! It’s super easy to use, and it has a light blue tint to it…but it soaks in clear. This definitely is the party saver.
Glow Recipe serum: I got this serum for Christmas from my grandma, and I love it! I’m almost out so I gotta get me a new one ASAP. I use it both morning and night, and it’s super easy and smooth to rub in and it keeps my skin clean and clear!
What are your weekend plans? Hayden has a basketball tournament, and I have a few errands to run as well as a few things on my “to do” list. I guess that’s a pretty typical weekend for us.
I will have a bonus post tomorrow for Share 4 Somethings.
Today I’m sharing all about Hadley’s “room refresh.”
Once the kids turned 13, I had it on my mind that I wanted to update their rooms and some of their furniture. Last summer, I got serious about clicking around trying to find ideas for Hadley’s room since she cared way more about a room update than Hayden did. Well, like I do…I started to feel overwhelmed, so I hit pause on that project.
Around their birthday, Hadley mentioned her room again. So, I decided to reach out to my friend who has an interior design background. She said she’d love to help. So, one day when Hadley was at volleyball practice, my friend came over, measured Hadley’s room and we chatted about ideas.
We live in an older home with smaller bedrooms. I wanted to somehow give Hadley more storage while also eliminating a bigger piece of furniture. My friend knows Hadley pretty well, so I knew whatever she came up with Hadley would love. When she asked what color palette Hadley was thinking about, I only knew that Hadley likes blue.
The next day, she sent me these designs, and I immediately knew that Hadley would love it.
(This wasn’t the blue on the walls that she thought Hadley would want — it’s just what was in the rendering) I’d never thought about putting Hadley’s bed in front of the window…or thinking there’d be room for two night stands.
I’ve shared a few “peeks” in previous blog posts…
…and another when we did the wallpaper a couple of weeks ago.
…and Hadley really tidied up her closet during this process too.
Before:
Well, Hadley got to purging and Travis got to painting before I could take a true “before” photo, but I’d shared these pics in a previous post a few years ago, and her room still pretty much looked like this:
…and this…although we’d gotten rid of the bean bag a while ago. The cubed shelf is what I was trying to eliminate with the new refresh.
(Hadley’s furniture was my furniture from when I was a kid. We painted it white when it was time for the kids to have their own rooms when they were three.)
Ideally, I wanted a new bed for Hadley, at least one night stand, a vanity that could also be used for a desk, and then instead of a dresser and bookshelf, I wanted a combination of the two which would eliminate one big piece of furniture from her small space.
It was crazy to think about, but I also told my friend that whatever we chose/bought, I wanted Hadley to feel like she could take with her to her first apartment.
I was blown away by the design.
I like that my friend emailed me the design board with clickable links. So, if we didn’t purchase everything all at once, we’d have that email to go back to when we’d make purchases in the future.
Also, since I wasn’t 100% sure what Hadley would want, I initially only bought the bed and desk. The desk was out by the Christmas tree on Christmas morning, and then, I wrapped up the board for Hadley to open with the ideas.
She was surprised and excited.
Since were home over Christmas break, we used that time to get started. She purged her room filling bags with trash or donation piles. We moved everything out of her room, and she helped Travis paint.
Over break, we also put the bed together and after she made some decisions on what she wanted from the design board, we ordered the rug, vanity mirror, night stands, and bedding. The bedding on the design board was back ordered, so we found something similar at Target.
We’ve pieced the rest of her room together over the past six weeks or so.
Anyway, here’s the finished product…
After:
Ta da!
The wallpaper was the “chef’s kiss” to the room. I’m very grateful my friend Amy was able to help me with it a couple of weeks ago.
The nightstands are perfect and easy to put together.
The bigger drawers in the night stands are still empty…which makes me happy knowing we still have empty storage.
I love that Hadley kept her “girl boss” sign.
She’s had it for years!
The natural light in the room is so nice, and creates a calming vibe with the blues.
We bought the bed that has two storage drawers. In the IKEA picture, these drawers are side by side under the bed. I was pleasantly surprised that you can put the drawers wherever you’d like, so she has one on each side of her bed. Side by side didn’t work because of the nightstands.
On this wall, it was so blank I wasn’t sure what we would do. The design called for two bigger pieces of art, so I thought we might do that…and I’d let Hadley choose, but then we decided that she had a few things she didn’t want to part with.
She likes gold accents, so I went with that idea.
She updated the pics in the white collage frame that she’s had for years.
The quote above the collage is something my mom gave me when I graduated high school. It’s always hung somewhere, including in Hadley’s room the past few years, so we kept it.
Hadley loves macaroons, so I picked up this print at a yard sale, but then I put it in a frame I got at Target.
The gold pineapple we got at Hobby Lobby years ago when we updated her room when we first moved in our house.
Travis gave Hadley the dancing picture last Christmas, but it was in a white frame, so I spray painted it gold.
Then, I had one spot that just “needed something,” so I sent a puppy pic of Homer to Mixtiles for one last piece for the gallery.
I’m really glad we used what we had and incorporated meaningful pieces. And…I think we could still add to this wall if we want to through the years.
We bought the full length mirror a few weeks ago. I needed the mirror, so I could spatially figure out the gallery wall.
I’ve never purchased from Ruggable before, but this rug is washable. I already see a muddy Homer paw print, so we will probably have to wash it sooner rather than later. haha
This vanity has been perfect. It’s long but not wide. The one drawer is big enough where Hadley has a few school supplies on one side and then her skin care/make-up and earrings on the other side.
I bought the suggested desk chair from Ikea, but I didn’t realize Hadley preferred one with wheels. So, we looked at Home Goods a few times and never found what she wanted. We clicked around on Amazon, and she found this fuzzy/Sherpa fabric one….and it’s cute and functional.
The vanity mirror isn’t what was on the design board. I should have known that Hadley would want one that lights up. haha
She found this one on Amazon, and it is neat. It has three light modes and a USB charging port.
Not to sound dramatic, but this vanity has saved my sanity in the mornings. The kids share the world’s smallest bathroom, and they always seem to be in there at the same time in the morning. Because of this vanity, now all Hadley has to do in the bathroom is brush her teeth! Otherwise, she can get ready in her room.
Hadley is still loving her new makeup/skincare organizer. I like that it looks cute, and it’s a spot for her to hold her products.
Then, to keep it real –this corner still needs some TLC. The one piece from IKEA that we haven’t purchased yet is the cabinet that will replace the bookshelf and this dresser. So, we’ve left a few things sitting on top of the dresser until we know if we’ll need them once we do get the new cabinet.
We have plans to go to Cinci next month, and I hope to go to IKEA for a couple of returns and maybe to go ahead and get the cabinet for this corner.
We had leftover wallpaper, and my mom put it in the cabinet. We also took out the bottom shelf to make room for my Gma’s jewelry box that I’ve had for years.
*one more update*
I’d forgotten we bought these knobs to add a touch of color. We did have to buy different screw to make them work for this cabinet, but they were a cute finishing touch.
We did have to buy different screws to work for the drawers.
I just love walking past her room now. It’s such a bright spot in our home.
Sources:
In case you are interested, here’s where we purchased everything:
Paint Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove
Wallpaper: Wall pops: Blue Wisley (I purchased four rolls for this one wall. We have leftovers, but we did have to use more than I thought to find the correct spot to match it up along the way)
Rug: Ruggable: Verena Soft Bluerug (I got the 5×7 for her room)
Bedding: white quilt from Home Goods, Linen Chambray comforter set from Target
Night stands: Her pretty blue ones aren’t available, but there are a couple other color options. When I ordered her “ice blue” ones, it did say only two in stock…so I’m not sure future availability.
I’m linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday…
to share…my Weekend Top 5.
Two weekends ago, Travis and the kids were out of town. Last weekend, was action packed with volleyball all day, the kids’ cotillion dance, and then Super Bowl. This weekend, we had very few activities, and it was nice to all be home for most of the weekend.
After my long week, I couldn’t wait for a low-key Friday night. I left school around 6:00, picked Hayden up from basketball and was home and in my pjs just as the snow started to fall.
I had watched the first episode of American Nightmare last weekend, and I watched the other two episodes Friday night. It definitely holds your attention.
IMDb
On Saturday, we went out to lunch and shopping as a family. We NEVER (or very rarely) go to a sit down restaurant for lunch on the weekend. The four of us being home and agreeing on a place for lunch…win, win!
After lunch, we headed to the mall because Hadley needed a new pair of running shoes for the upcoming track season. Woah – Dick’s Sporting Goods was packed on Saturday afternoon, but we were in and out in about thirty minutes. Travis was very pleased that she found a pair that she liked…that were on sale. haha!
On Saturday evening, Travis and the kids went bowling with Trav’s brother and his boys. After bowling, they got pizza and then picked up Insomnia cookies on the way home. I’d stayed home to pick up around the house, meal plan and place our Kroger order, shower and just relax. I appreciated the leftover pizza and cookies they brought home.
Yesterday morning, I finished a really good book: The Berry Pickers.
Then, I had a few minutes, so I made a few templates on Canva to share my books.
I made a “highlight” on my Instagram page and hope to add to it every month. I like reading, and I like being creative, so I just thought the templates would be a fun way to share books. Feel free to check them out and use them.
Last night, Hadley spent the night at a friend’s house. Travis mentioned that he and Hayden wanted to see the new Bob Marley movie. Hayden likes the Bob Marley XM station which I always think is an interesting request.
We listened to it on the way to the movie.
While that movie wasn’t on my radar, I couldn’t pass up time with my guys! I really didn’t know much about Bob Marley, but the movie was really interesting. I learned a lot…and I had no clue he died at such a young age.
A three day weekend! Is there anything better than a Monday with no school?! After such a long week, it’s really what I needed.
How was your week? All I can say is TGIF! I was at school every day this week until 6:00, and then two of those nights I headed straight to Hayden’s basketball games. Let’s just say that I had no trouble falling asleep every night.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
This is a “red” and “pink” Friday edition of favorites mostly about the Chiefs and Valentine’s Day.
Here are some favorites:
The Chiefs:
Well, of course we’re excited about the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl. It was a frustrating and exciting game.
Per tradition, because my brother and Hayden are afraid to jinx anything…we headed to my brother’s house for Super Bowl Sunday.
My contribution was a cookie cake:
…and cute themed cups…
…that Travis Kelce would approve of…
We had some snacks and pizza while watching the game, and then dove into the cookie cake at halftime…we were definitely eating our feelings.
My brother was desperate to find the Chiefs candle that they got last year after the Super Bowl win. Once we lit it, the momentum shifted…(yay!)
We were thrilled with the outcome.
It’s been fun cheering for the Chiefs these past few years, and even more so hanging out with my brother and his family. Hayden and Connor are next level with their Chiefs craziness.
Of course, the celebration turned to sadness with the heartbreaking events from the parade and rally on Wednesday. It’s gut-wrenching that so many fans, kids included, were at the rally after the parade when another senseless act of violence took place and so many were injured as well as a casualty. My thoughts and prayers go out to my KC community.
Valentine’s Day:
I shared in a previous post how much I love the tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards to family. I was able to finally get a pic of the kids…even though apparently the sun was pretty bright.
Oh well, it’s the thought that counts.
Once I realized how very late we’d probably all get home on Wednesday night, I decided to go ahead and put out gifts for the kids and Trav’s card on Wednesday morning.
I got a card too…with bubble letters, of course.
It was a card that you can scan the QR code, and the link sent me to a video of the kids saying “Happy Valentine’s Day” which I really appreciated.
Other Faves:
Hadley had a very busy weekend of volleyball, and the team continues to be fun to watch. They ended up in the silver bracket of a really big tournament. So far, she’s had local tournaments which has been so convenient.
Saturday was extra busy going straight from three volleyball games back home to get ready for the third cotillion dance. The theme was Malibu Mingle, so Hawaiian shirts, shorts, and leis were the dress code.
The kids (barely) let me get a quick pic before Hayden left with friends, and Hadley went to a friend’s house to finish getting ready.
She curled her hair, finished her makeup, and accessorized!
The girls were so festive and pretty…
…and ready for a fun night.
The difference in getting a pic of boys vs getting a pic of girls. Girls will stand there and smile…boys will walk off. (My friend dropped Hayden and her son off for dinner with friends…and them walking away was the best she got…haha)
During the dance, I stayed at my friend’s house after the girls left. It was nice to hang out with the other moms and chat. We don’t get to do that very often.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Oh the morning time…their least favorite part of the day…or so it seems.
Weekly Recap:
I had hoped to have one more post this week, but time got away from me. Here are the two posts I shared:
After a very long week of school, I don’t think I’ve ever been more ready for a three day weekend filled with not much going on than I am for this one.
While we don’t do much for Valentine’s Day…when it’s on a Wednesday when we have school and then sports in the evening, we really don’t do much!
When I was planning dinners this week, I knew that last night would be our only weeknight dinner together for the week, so I asked the kids their favorites to have for dinner. So, last night we had salmon (Hadley’s fave) with Bob Evans mashed potatoes while Hayden enjoyed some wings from Wing Zone 😆
This morning, I made the kids cinnamon swirl crumb cake for breakfast. Nothing says, “I love you” like cake for breakfast. Tonight, I will give them them a few gifts and Trav his card.
Anyway, I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.
This month’s topic is let’s look…little things we do every single day.
I feel like I do a million little things every single day. Here’s a quick list:
Morning coffee
Light candles
Read
Respond to texts and emails
Pack my lunch
Skin care – AM and PM
Brush teeth – AM and PM
Make the bed
Charge my phone, Apple watch, computer
Remind kids of what needs to be done – homework, practices, other details like who is picking them up from practices, check grades, etc.
Kiss everyone goodbye as I leave for school.
Update the notes app on my phone for my daily and weekly to do’s
Read blogs
Tidy up
Bible study
Let Homer out 10 times (fill up his food and water bowl) (Of course, I’m not the only one in the house to do this)
Petting/snuggling with Homer
Drive kids around
Get the mail
Order things – Target pick up, Amazon, etc.
Returns to UPS and other errands (depending on the day)
Water house plants
Refill my water tumbler
Tidy up
Make dinner
Prepare coffee pot for morning coffee
Clean up dinner
House chores: dishes, dishwasher, laundry
Depending on the day–meal plan and place Kroger order
Shower
Shave my legs
Tidy up
Tell everyone goodnight /kiss on the cheek
Set alarm to wake up
Did you notice that I included “tidy up” in there a few times? That’s one of my “tricks” for not feeling completely overwhelmed during the week…I try to stay on top of keeping the house in order. Thankfully, Travis is very much that way too.
Of course, this doesn’t even include school where I update planner/calendar, write agenda and learning targets on the board, make copies, turn on flat panel and upload lessons, check Canvas, do hall and bathroom duty, prepare lessons, send and answer emails, write hall passes, answer the phone, oh…and teach!
I’m sure I’m forgetting some little things from my day, but those were ones that quickly popped in my mind.
What about you? What are a few little things you do every day?
This month’s topic is…how we met our significant other or best friend.
…This post is just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Here’s how I met T-rav:
When Travis graduated college, he worked for UK’s Athletic department, and after a few years he moved to Columbia, Missouri to work for Mizzou Athletics. It was a step up from what he was doing but also not too far from home.
Anyway, he moved to Columbia in 2001.
I met Travis that fall. I was in my last year of college and University of Missouri. I was working part time in the ticket office, and that was his full time job.
My friend who also worked in the ticket office also thought he was cute. We liked his accent…haha
Anyway, we crossed paths at work quite a few times and would see each other out at bars. (Oh to be 21 again!) He asked me on a date and said he’d call me the next day. Well, I’d dated a bit in college and knew I’d at least see him again at work or that maybe he’d call the next evening. He called me (on the house phone!) early the next morning. This already made him stand out in my book.
Our first date was going for a jog that afternoon on the MK-T trail which is a popular outdoor spot in Columbia. I actually was a jogger back then.
Since this was 2001, and athleisure wasn’t all the rage, I remember stressing and asking my roommates what to wear. I wanted to look cute but also able to jog…haha
He picked me up in his silver Honda Civic, and we headed to the trail. We jogged briefly, and I then told him I couldn’t run and talk at the same time…and he casually dropped the fact that he ran for UK in college on me. Oh geez!
Anyway, after the jog, we went to eat an early dinner at an Italian place called Bambinos and then hung out for a while afterwards.
I remember being nervous about possibly seeing him at work on Monday, but didn’t see him. Then, he called me that evening, and I told him I wasn’t feeling well. I ended up with a high fever, and was pretty sick. He brought me Gatorade and a People magazine because at some point we’d talked about my love for celebrity gossip.
To this day, he takes care of me. I think I’m a pretty independent person, but at this point in my life when I feel like I’m taking care of everyone, I appreciate it even more when he steps in and takes care of things or me.
Anyway, we hit it off and hung out quite a bit moving forward.
I think this is the first pic we have together…it’s at my parents’ house…and I think it’s around my birthday in January 2002.
Our relationship wasn’t perfect then (we even broke up once or twice…that’s a story for another day…but the breakups were always short-lived), and it’s still not perfect now…but I think we are pretty perfect for each other.
The fact that Valentine’s Day is in a couple of days is timely for a running joke we have. Every year he asks me how many years we’ve been valentines…and I say the number of years but then remind him it would be one more if we hadn’t broken up in February of 2002 (only to get back together in March of that year).
We got engaged in May of 2004 and married in June 2005.
I’m really grateful to have found “my person” while I was pretty young, but I also know we aren’t the people we were back then. Although, I always say that he really is the same guy I met. I’m the one who has probably changed a bit more…but I know that’s a part of life too…and I’m grateful that he loves me through the ups and downs of life.
We’ve definitely come a long way and are very blessed:
So, that’s our story!
Next month’s topic is 5 items you can’t live without…
I hope you have a great week. Mine is a really busy one at school and in the evenings. I hope to have a couple more posts this week.
showmeandsweettea.com 