Category: This and That

Hello and happy Wednesday!

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve linked up with Joyce, so I’m doing that today.

This week’s prompts are so fun, so let’s get to it:

1. How did you meet your significant other?

We met at the University of Missouri when I was a senior. Travis worked in college athletics at the time, and he’d moved to Columbia for a career move. I worked in the ticket office my senior year, so I met him there. One Saturday football game, they needed someone to work the player pass gate area, and I thought to myself, if he volunteers me to do it (because he’d also be there), then he must like me.

Well, that Saturday, I was the one to work the player pass gate with him, and I was so excited…until he made fun of my tennis shoes. He called them “buddies.” (which would be “dupe” now!) Listen, I didn’t have quite the budget back then…and Shoe Carnival was the answer. haha

Anyway, a couple weeks later, we went out on our first date.

This wasn’t our first day, but we’d only been dating a few months:

2. It’s Department Store Day. Do you still shop in department stores? If not, do you miss that shopping experience? Do you have a favorite department store? Any fun memories of department store shopping when you were a child?

I don’t shop much at department stores, but I will still look there occasionally for dresses or shoes. I don’t usually have much luck, but I will still pop in every once in a while. I like Macy’s and Nordstrom, but mostly order from them online.

I don’t really have any department store memories as a child, but I do vividly remember going to the mall, and that was kind of a big deal. Ward Parkway mall in KC was my favorite. I remember the cinnamon roll place that we’d go to as well as Ms. Field’s for a cookie!

3. Something you’re currently nuts about?

It’s candy corn season…and I really only like candy corn when it’s paired with peanuts. You know what’s even better?

This little mix:

4. What’s your favorite nut and is there a favorite recipe?

My favorite nut is for sure a cashew! I don’t have any recipes, but I do love chocolate covered cashews.

5. On Wednesday, we officially reach the 70 days until Christmas mark. Have you purchased any gifts?

I haven’t purchased a single item. Unfortunately, I usually feel like I need to “get through” the kids’ birthday in November before I can think about Christmas.

I do have some gift ideas for a few people though as well as some birthday gift ideas I have for the kids too.

6. Insert random thought here.

Shew! It sure feels like fall this week! That being said, I think we skipped the 70’s! We went from mid-80’s to 60 degrees real quick!

That being said, I’m not mad about it. I’m sooo ready for fall. It’s my favorite season.

Have a great day,

Hello!

How is your week going? With no school on Monday, I’m feeling “off,” and can’t believe it’s already Wednesday.

It’s been a few weeks, but today I’m linking up with Joyce for this week’s Hodgepodge questions.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. Something you’re working on currently?

I’m currently working on continuing to figure out Canvas (our online grading/assignments platform) and getting use to grading papers again. I haven’t had to do that for quite a few years.

2. Tell us something about your first job. Was it a positive or negative experience for you? Did your parents insist you work while in school or did you work because you wanted to?

My first real job was working at a dentist/ortho office in my neighborhood. When I was sixteen and could drive, that was the perfect place for me to work a few hours a week. I usually worked two to three afternoons from about 3:30-5:30 and then a couple of Saturdays a month from 8-12.

It was a positive experience. I answered the phones, schedule appointments, and pulled and put up patient files.

My parents didn’t really insist that I work, but it was a natural “next step” once I got my driver’s license. It was nice having some spending money and paying for gas for my car.

3. Have you ever had a job that required overnight travel? How did you feel about that? Have you ever had a job that required you to wear a uniform? Do you work better in the morning or at night?

I never have had a job that has required overnight travel. You know how much I hate to pack? I’m so glad I don’t have to do that often. Although, I assume if I traveled a lot for work, I’d get pretty good at packing!

I’m thankful to not travel for my job. As you know, I like being at home! I’ve also never had to wear a uniform. Besides the dentist office, I worked the front desk of my dorm and then in Missouri’s athletic office for a couple of years in college.

I definitely work better in the morning! I like to get things accomplished and then move on throughout the day.

4. What’s something you bake or cook that is labor intensive? Is it worth it?

I can’t think of anything I make that’s really “labor intensive.” Honestly, if it takes too long to make, I’m probably not making it.

That being said, I make my brother’s stuffed peppers a few times a year, and they do take some effort but are worth it!

5. One thing you’re looking forward to in the month of September?

One thing? How about a few like…cooler temps, apple cider, and football season!

6. Insert your random thought here.

I’m really grateful that we’ve had a smooth start back to school.

Between the kids starting high school and the fact that I have a couple of classes now, it’s been a big adjustment. So far, so good!

Thanks for reading!

Hello! I hope you’ve had a great start to your week.

I’m linking up with Joyce and answering this week’s “hodge podge” questions.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. What’s a task you do on a regular basis that feels like it should be an Olympic event?

Change the sheets on everyone’s bed! I hate this task, and it always takes multiple loads of laundry to get it accomplished. I change sheets every couple of weeks, but then I wash the comforters and quilts once a month, so it just takes a lot of time. Of course, there’s always a fight with a fitted sheet too!

2. What’s in the trunk of your car right now?

Not much! While my car isn’t spotless, I do keep it picked up. In my trunk, I always keep a bag that I mostly use during track season that has a blanket, sunscreen, a towel, etc. I also have my stadium seat that I sometimes use for volleyball games and always use for track meets. In the storage unit below, I keep my umbrella and rain jacket.

3. Summer foods vs. fall foods…which do you prefer?

I love lunches in the summer, but I prefer fall dinners.

I just love having the time for a longer lunch in the summer, and I typically make a “snack plate” of whatever I want to eat.

I love hearty meals in the fall. Give me all the casseroles, chili, and soups…and I’m happy!

Would you rather…

• watermelon or caramel apple? Watermelon for sure!
• iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte? I don’t drink PSL like I used to, and I rarely drink iced coffee, but that would be my preference.
• potato salad or sweet potato casserole? Can I say “pasta salad?” That’s definitely my preference. I don’t like potato salad (actually, I don’t even try it…no thank you to mayo!), but I will have a dollop of sweet potato casserole on Thanksgiving.
• BBQ ribs or roast turkey? My kids LOVE ribs. I do not. I do love turkey though…Thanksgiving is my favorite meal.
• Ice cream sandwich or apple pie? I rarely have apple pie, but I like it. I don’t think I’ve ever made one. Ice cream sandwiches definitely hit the spot in the summer.
• Corn on the cob or candy corn? I like corn, but not the messiness of corn on the cob. I only like candy corn if it’s mixed with peanuts.

This little mix is great too!

4. August 7th is National Lighthouse Day. Have you visited any lighthouses? Do you have a favorite? Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you’re visiting an area known for theirs?

When I was in high school, we took a vacation to the northeast…and I’m sure I saw some lighthouses in Maine. I’d love to see more lighthouses one day.

5. Light at the end of the tunnel, out like a light, give the green light, a light bulb moment, in a new light, in the limelight…of the “light” idioms listed which applies in some way to your life lately? Explain.

Oh…a couple of these apply right now…

• Light at the end of the tunnel: It’s always very overwhelming going back to school, but I know that I can see the first few days of school lesson plans coming together as this week goes on and I’ve had time in my classroom.
• Out like a light: Uh…me every night! There’s no tired like “back to school teacher tired!”
• A light bulb moment: I have plenty of those every day as I get back in the swing of school!

6. Insert random thought here.

One of my friends mentioned Kroger Boost recently and how great it is to have groceries delivered when needed. Well, a couple of weeks ago, Kroger had the “same day” option for $50 for the yearly subscription instead of $100. I went ahead and purchased, and I tried it the weekend before last. I used the Kroger app like usual, and I appreciated that the Instacart shopper texted with substitution options.

A couple of things that would take getting used to is everything was in plastic bags, and Kroger pick up is always paper bags. Whenever we have a lot of plastic bags, we do take them back to Kroger for recycling. Also, our garage is in the basement, so usually I unpack basement fridge items and then bring up groceries. This time, I had to take basement items downstairs since she delivered to the front door.

Anyway, these are first world problems/adjustments. This past Sunday, I did my regular Kroger pick up, but I know I will use the Boost service every once in a while.

This week has been a big adjustment for me, but I’m trucking along. Today, my PD is on Zoom…It’s like turning back the hands of time…all the way to 2020! Really, I appreciate this option today!

Hello! How is your week going? We’ve had a couple of cloudy and rainy days which I guess we need, but I’ve been wanting to make the most of the time I have left for pool days. I have been able to be productive at home when not taking the kids where they need to go.

Anyway…

I’m happy to link up with Joyce for her fun Hodgepodge post.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose?

We will be watching as much Olympic coverage as we can! Of course, after our trip to Eugene for the Olympic track trials, we will definitely be watching track!

That being said, there probably isn’t an event I won’t watch. I always love watching gymnastics, swimming, and beach volleyball.

It’s not the summer Olympics, but I was on maternity leave with the kids in the winter of 2010, and I remember loving watching all the coverage since I was mostly at home during that time. It was an added bonus to maternity leave for sure.

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you’d like to visit? What’s your favorite ‘French thing’? 

When I was sixteen, I went on a tour of Europe for high school band. We started in England and ended in Germany and visited a few other countries in between…including France (Paris). I do remember being in awe of the Eiffel Tower and enjoying Paris. Of course, I’d love to go back at some point.

I’d say my favorite “French thing” would be a baguette! I love bread! I also remember eating a lot of ham and cheese on baguettes while there, and this may explain why my love for a Jimmy John’s Slim 1 runs deep!

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate soufle, mille feuille, or an eclair…your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

Hadley loves macaroons, and I do too! I even included this macaroon print (top right) when we redid her room this past winter.

If she sees a macaroon, she wants one…including when we went to Pike Place Market in Seattle.

4.  July 24th is National Cousins Day…do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

I have six cousins…and they are all on my dad’s side. My dad has three brothers, and they all had two kids. We grew up seeing each other quite a bit, but two of my cousins have always lived in Chicago, and they could come in town for some holidays and in the summer.

My dad has quite a few cousins, and I see them at holidays, and often refer to them as my cousins too…since that’s easier and we see them when we can.

My brother and I are the only kids on my mom’s side, so we always got all the attention 🙂

I’m very thankful that my kids have so many cousins who are they are pretty close with even with the age ranges.

My mother-in-law celebrated a big birthday this past weekend, so all the cousins were together which was fun to see.

Also, my kids get to see my brother’s kids all the time since they live nearby. It’s fun going to their games and seeing them when we can.

5.  Last time you went somewhere that felt like ‘everyone and his cousin‘ was there?

I feel that way any time I go to the mall. haha

I don’t fly often, but I flew a few times this summer…and the airport definitely always felt congested and hectic!! (and delayed! haha)

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Woof. It’s only been two days of Hayden’s 6am cross country practices, and we are all on the struggle bus. Well, not Hadley; she can sleep through almost anything.

That being said, I’m not even the one waking up early to take him. So far, Travis has gotten Hayden up and taken him, gone to workout himself, and then brings Hayden home before going to work. That being said, neither of them are very quiet in the morning, so of course I hear both alarms and all their walking up and down the hall, filling up the water bottle, and more.

This summer, I’ve often wished my kids could drive. I know when that time really comes, I will be a nervous wreck, but truly, if they could drive within a five mile radius of my house, I think I’m ready for that.

Enjoy your day!

Hello!

I love Joyce’s Wednesday link up, so I’m joining in again today.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. It’s National Splurge Day…What’s something you might splurge on today? What have you splurged on recently?

Well, I probably won’t splurge on anything today as yesterday was a pretty expensive day. I did treat myself to a pedicure, and I took Hadley and my niece with me. Hadley wanted a summer manicure, and my niece just had a birthday…so we brought her for a manicure as her birthday gift.

What’s more expensive than paying for a pedicure and two manicures? Getting a new a/c and furnace installed yesterday!

Our a/c and furnace are close to thirty years old, so it’s been on our radar that this might be the summer to get a new system. I wish we’d taken care of this earlier, but of course the week that we’ve finally hit the 90’s, we were on the list to have it installed. Our house has been in the 80’s the past five days, so we sought reprieve in the basement and in the sunroom (where we have an a/c unit) as much as possible. Homer won’t go down the stairs to the basement, but we’d find him on the cool sun room floor by the a/c unit. He’s a smart pup! haha

So, the nail day was a splurge and the a/c was a necessity.

2. Do you have a beach bag? What’s in it? Is a trip to the beach on your summer bucket list? Do you have a summer bucket list?

I do have a few beach bags, and I wrote all about them in my first Summer Sunday post.

We don’t have a typical beach trip planned this summer which is a first for us. We have a fun vacation planned though that we are all excited about.

We haven’t made a bucket list in a couple of years, but we’d make a “summer fun” list when the kids were little.

3. What’s a song that makes you think of summer past? What comes to mind when you hear it? What memories does it stir up for you?

The first song that popped into my head when I think of “summer past,” was Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” in the summer of 1996. I swear that “Fast Car” was also being played a lot that summer too. Proof that things that were popular come back around again!

The summer of 1996 was a really carefree one. I had my license, and I remember hanging out with friends, going to the pool, working a little, and just really feeling like a high schooler.

I’m the worst when it comes to remembering song titles, so I checked out a list of “hits” from 1996. Here were a few more of my faves that I remember singing a long to on the radio:

• “Ironic”- Alanis Morissette
• “Follow You Down” -Gin Blossoms
• “Sittin Up in my Room”- Brandy
• “Insensitive” -Jann Arden
• “Name” -Goo Goo Dolls
• “Who Will Save Your Soul” -Jewel
• “Wonder”- Natalie Merchant
• “Breakfast at Tiffanys” -Deep Blue Something
• “1979” -Smashing Pumpkins
• “Only Wanna Be With You”- Hootie and the Blowfish

What’s a song that you think of when you think about summer?

4. Sushi – yay or nay? Have you actually tried it? What’s your “go to” order?

Definitely “yay.” I like sushi, and it’s one of the meals that Travis and I have in common when we think about a “date” night.

He’s probably a bit more adventurous than I am…I usually stick to shrimp, yellow tail, salmon, and crab.

5. I own a ridiculous amount of…

Pajamas! The ones I turn to the most this summer are the ones I got recently from Walmart as well as the guazy pajamas (I have three pairs!) that I got from Target last summer.

6. Insert your own random thought here:

This past weekend, I was placing an order for a cake for Trav for Father’s Day. When I asked him what flavor he wanted and showed him the options, he mentioned “Snickerdoodle.” Both kids thought it was an odd option, but it was so good. Let’s just say they both had more than one slice!

Don’t sleep on the “Snickerdoodle” cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. (The key lime flavor is good too…we picked up a small one of those for Trav as well.)

Here’s to staying cool this summer…and letting cake solve all our problems!!

Hello!

My life kind of feels like a bit of a ‘hodgepode’ lately, so this post is timely. I’m linking up with Joyce for her weekly link up with responses to her “hodgepodge” of topics.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. It’s National Cheese Day (June 4)…Does anyone not like cheese? What’s your favorite? Last thing you ate or made with cheese?

I always joke that I’ve never met a cheese I don’t like!

For lunch, I often pack Babybel cheese or put pepper jack, turkey, lettuce and mustard on a wrap.

Every time I go to Trader Joe’s, I buy the Havarti Cheese with Dill. It’s one of my favorite things to add to my summer lunch plate.

The last thing I made with cheese was quesadillas for lunch yesterday using rotisserie chicken, shredded mozzarella and “Carb Savvy” tortillas from TJ.

2. Last time you were instructed to ‘say cheese!’? How does you feel about having your picture taken?

Well, for having a blog, it’s pretty ironic that I don’t love having my picture taken. Hadley doesn’t think twice…she will just stop and smile. Not that Travis loves having his picture taken, but he’s more like Hadley. I like to know that my hair and outfit are ok! haha

Hayden despises getting his photo taken. This picture after their 8th grade promotion ceremony was a miracle to get taken:

That being said, I like whatever my phone camera does for a selfie…apparently, “flipping the camera around” for a selfie provides my better angle…in my opinion.

3. What’s your travel packing strategy? Are you typically a light packer or do you throw in everything but the kitchen sink? When flying, do you check a bag or aim for carry on only?

I am definitely not a light packer. I think I mostly just want to feel at home wherever I am which means I pack “all the options.” I’ve gotten better through the years. Instead of a large suitcase, I can get by with my medium sized one. That being said, the other three in my family can pretty easily pack in a carry-on suitcase, so I know they wish I’d do the same. haha

I do swear by packing cubes. I’ve used these (we have lots of different colors) for years.

Three piece set // Five piece set

Not once, but twice last summer, I packed in a carry-on sized suitcase for a few days in Florida with Hadley and then a few days in California with Travis.

This was such a shock that I packed in a small suitcase, that I documented it in blog post.

My mom let me borrow these “compression” packing cubes last summer.

They did “smoosh” everything down a bit more.

4. What is it about people’s cell phone habits that you find most annoying?

I think we’re all “guilty” of being on our phones a bit too much. Of course, it’s annoying when people talk so loud that we all have to hear their conversation.

One habit I noticed with students is that if there are even a few seconds of “downtime” between instruction or waiting their turn to talk to me, they think they have to be on their phone. I struggle with this with one of my own kids…who just can’t seem to realize I expect eye contact when talking to me…even briefly. I think kids are learning bad habits…and don’t even get me started with phones in school.

5. What will be your summer mantra/slogan?

Make the most of it? I want to find time to do a little bit of everything. I want to be productive, but relax. I want to read, go to the pool, travel, catch up on sleep, watch TV, eat ice cream, go to the movies, and more.

June is definitely our busier month, and I’m trying not to let it stress me out. Summer, for me, is eight weeks, which I know is a blessing, but it used to be 9-10 weeks of summer…I feel like summer is shrinking and I know with the kids being busy that makes summer fly by as well. While I have had a bit of downtime over the past few days, it still feels like every day has a “to do” list.

Hopefully, I will find my “summer groove” soon.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The Kansas City Royals have been fun to watch. I grew up watching the Royals as a kid, and there were many bad years of baseball. The 2014 and 2015 teams were so fun to watch, and I’m glad my kids have memories of some good baseball.

Of course, living in Kentucky we don’t get their games very often. The past few years haven’t been great, but my brother and I have split the MLB app subscription, so we can stream on our TVs whenever we want. This year, thanks to my TMobile account, I get the MLB app for free for one year. Anyway, it’s been nice to turn on the games and see them winning.

(Unless you were watching last night…ugh!)

Well, this was a fun mid-week post that included a little bit of everything…cheese, selfies, packing cubes, baseball, and more!

Hello and happy Wednesday!

I enjoyed linking up with Joyce a couple of weeks ago, so I’m doing so again today for Wednesday Hodgepodge:

Let’s get started answering this week’s questions.

1. What impresses you?

Manners. Literally…that’s the first thing that popped in my mind. When I see someone hold the door for another person, when I hear a “yes, ma’am,” or when I hear a “please” or “thank you,” I really take notice. It’s not that I think that many don’t have manners these days, but sometimes it does feel that way.

I really hope I’m raising kids who will do the right thing and be polite and respectful.

2. Where are you in the family birth order? Do you fit the stereotype of that particular slot? In what way?

I think I’m the pretty typical first born. I very much have a “type A” personality and always wanted to do the right thing, please others, and make my parents proud.

My brother is 3.5 years younger than me, and we are close, but have different personalities. As a younger sibling, he’s more easy going than I am.

3. What motivates you more – a reward or a consequence?

Oh…this is a good question.

I never really had to have consequences as a kid. Not that I was perfect…I did get grounded occasionally, but I was always pretty intrinsically motivated, and I still am. Again, I always wanted to make others proud, and I think that turned into wanting to make myself proud…and now I want to make good choices so my kids are proud of me.

That being said, as an adult, you can reward yourself…and sometimes, I do go through McDonald’s for a Diet Coke after making it through a hard day or buying myself something if I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot. I used to buy myself something at the end of every school year as a reward for making it through the year. haha! It was usually a purse I wanted, a pair of sandals for the summer, or one year I bought my Kindle. Now, I usually treat myself to an end of school pedicure which feels like a reward.

4. May 14th is National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. Do you like biscuits? Make your own? Grab one for breakfast at a drive-thru now and then? Which drive-thru makes the one you like best? What do you like to put on a biscuit? What’s your favorite food or dish that calls for buttermilk?

I do like biscuits, but I don’t make them very often. The Bisquick “just add water” package is a life saver for making quick biscuits.

7 Up biscuits are easy and delish!

I think Chick-fil-A chicken minis are good, but it’s pretty rare for us to go to CFA for breakfast.

We do have a couple of biscuit places in Lexington, and they are good.

Biscuits and gravy are not one of my faves, but Trav’s mom is known for her biscuits and gravy. There is a restaurant here that we go to pretty often for breakfast, and Hadley always orders the biscuits and gravy…and eats the gravy with a spoon!

The only dish I make that calls for buttermilk is my Irish Soda Bread that I make at St. Patrick’s Day.

5. Are there any weddings on your summer calendar? What’s your favorite part of a wedding/wedding reception?

We don’t have any weddings on our summer calendar. It is crazy to think there was a time in our life when all we did was go to weddings. One year, when we’d first started dating, Travis was in six weddings in one year!

This spring, one of my best friends got married, and it was a lovely backyard wedding.

We have a niece and a nephew that have recently gotten engaged, so my answer might be different if I was answering this same question for summer 2025.

My favorite part of a reception is seeing the bride and groom’s first dance.

When we got married in June 2025, I let Travis pick out the song as a surprise for the first dance. He chose “Someone Like You,” and I joked it was because at that time, Ashley Judd was around a lot more as a Kentucky fan…attending the basketball games…and she was in a movie by the same name.

Anyway, it’s a sweet song, so I appreciated the sentiment.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and I saw memes like this floating around:

While it makes me chuckle, and honestly I don’t think much about the pay…I knew what I was signing up for…but, yes, if we need an appreciation week, it probably means we spend most of the year feeling underappreciated!

I did feel the love last week. Our PTSA, admin, and local businesses did spoil us. We got ice cream one day, and then two days I didn’t have to pack a lunch…that made me so happy…especially at the end of the school year when I’m over packing lunches.

This was a fun post to write; I love having topics where I can just write the first thing that comes to mind.