Yesterday, we finally got rain, and the gloomy skies, combined with my fall decor, made me want to hibernate at home!
Last week, I shared a Thursday Thoughtspost about the “unfortunately I do love” trend for my Enneagram type. Today, I’m sharing an actual list that I compiled of things I “unfortunately do love…”
Unfortunately I do love…
A crispy Diet Coke: McDonald’s is where it’s at for a crispy (fizzy) Diet Coke. There’s nothing better!
A chocolate chip cookie with my CFA or Jimmy John’s order: It’s hard to resist a freshly baked cookie!
Making a list but adding things I’ve already done just to cross them off: It’s the feeling of accomplishment, for me.
A daily word search: I’m a little behind, but I’ve enjoyed doing a word search every morning this year. I love that it’s a mindless activity, but I also get a feeling of accomplishment from it.
Stockpiling my seasonal candles: I have a shelf in our hall closet for my candles that is organized by seasons, and I love purchasing scents throughout the year to use at a later date.
Justifying shopping because I have a coupon to use #girlmath: There is some saying about just because something is on sale, you don’t have to buy it. Well, what fun is that? haha But really, I don’t purchase things just to purchase something. I just mean if I need to buy my shampoo and conditioner at Ulta, I wait until I have a coupon. Same goes for Bath and Body Works and other stores. Travis likes his Kohls cash, so he can’t judge me!
Using the same coffee mug for weeks at a time: Of course, I clean the coffee mug, but I just mean I will use the same one for a month or so or even for a season as my “go to” mug. I don’t want to make decisions in the morning, so this simplifies things.
Using dry shampoo to get through another day without washing my hair: For as long as I can remember, I would wash my hair every other day. During Covid and spending lots of time at home, I realized I could stretch it an additional day. Now, I wash my hair every three days, and sometimes I don’t even need to use dry shampoo.
Watching reruns of shows: Is there anything more comforting than watching a show that feels so nostalgic? Of course, I love my Golden Girls, but recently, Hulu has had some of my favorite shows like Who’s the Boss? and Mad About You. My current show to binge is Designing Women. I love those ladies too!
Staying home: I am a homebody.
An over-sized t-shirt: I feel comfy in an over-sized t-shirt and leggings or sweats!
Using emojis in my text messages: Sorry not sorry! What did we do before emojis?!
This was fun to put together! Can you relate to any of these? I feel like I could make a second list! If so, I’ll share here.
Well, I didn’t mean to take yesterday off from blogging, but the three day weekend got away from me. Actually, we hardly did anything this past weekend which was just what we needed.
Today’s Tuesday Talk is all about skincare.
I was chatting with another blogger (hi, Mandy!) about skincare, and I always think it’s interesting to see what other people use for skincare and how they use it as well.
…but thought it was time for a little update. While some products change (as I like it try new things), Dime Beauty continues to be my “go to” for serums and moisturizers. I’ve been using Dime for at least four years.
I bought this organizer about a year ago, and it’s still working perfectly to house my skincare. I keep my makeup in this toiletry bag, and I also use it for travel.
I always start my skin care, day and night, by washing my face. I use CeraVe (I always get it at Target), and one of these facial sponges.
Then, I use a cotton round to apply Thayer’s facial toner. Target has the “rose petal,” scent toner, and that’s also where I get my cotton rounds.
I’ve always heard to apply skin care products thinnest to thickest, so here we go…
This “honey milk” by Farmacy is a new part of my skin care routine. Thanks to the cold weather, my skin has felt extra dry, so I’ve started to use a few drops of this product.
Then, I use my Dime serum. In the morning, I use Hyper Glow, and at night, I use Super Firm Serum.
After that, I use this Retinol eye stick. I’ve been using this for about a year, and while I’m not necessarily turning back the hands of time, I do feel like I’m doing something for my under eyes!
One of my friends is a Mary Kay consultant, and she recently sent me this “wrinkle limiter.” It’s pretty thick cream that you use for fine lines and wrinkles. So, this is a new part of my skin care routine, but I actually do feel my skin tightening a bit after using it on my forehead, between my eyes (my 11’s), and upper lip.
I don’t always use this Gold Bond neck cream, but I try to remember to do so. It’s such a great price, and I usually find it at Target. I figure why not use it when I can.
This “facial milk” is another Mary Kay product, and it’s a leftover as a duo with a retinol product that I used previously. It’s a very thin cream, so sometimes I apply it before using my thicker moisturizers.
Then, it’s moisturizer time. I use Dime’s Dewy Day Cream in the morning, and then Restorative Night Cream at night.
I still love my eye patches in the mornings (these or these) and my once a month facial/dermaplane/chemical peel.
So, that’s a(nother) look at my skin care routine. Truly, I don’t think I started washing my face and taking my makeup off before bed until about ten years ago. Now, I can’t imagine not doing my skincare routine. I know it may look like a lot, but it doesn’t take longer than two minutes!
I’m always interested in all the Enneagram stuff, and follow @mirabellecreations who always posts fun graphics on Instagram.
‘Tis the Halloween season and all things scary. I stumbled upon “What Scares” for different Enneagram types, and I’m taking a deep dive into my 5w6 self for…
What Scares Type 5s:
Being helpless or incapable:This for sure applies to meas I prefer not to ask for help and like to be prepared.
Someone who asks too many questions:I hate nothing more than being peppered with questions. A conversation is one thing, but when I feel like I’m constantly answering questions, and I feel like the person has an ‘angle,” I definitely disengage.
Being overwhelmed by their own needs and needs of others:In this busy season of life, I do feel overwhelmed by my own needs more than my family’s needs. Sometimes I just have “decision fatigue” and will feel overwhelmed.
A huge party:I much prefer a small gathering with people I know.Small talk at a huge gathering is definitely not my favorite thing.
Being pressured or obligated:I definitely don’t want to feel pressured or obligated to do anything.Well, who does?
Not having the right answer in every situation:It must be the teacher in me, but I like being prepared.
Their private info being shared publicly:Well, this is ironic considering I have a blog, but of course I choose what I share and when.
What Scares Type 6s:
Everything going wrong:I like to have a plan, and I like for that plan to go accordingly. haha
Danger ahead signs:What’s around the corner? What’s the danger? Of course I want to know and be prepared.
People who are not dependable: Oh…that’s a big pet peeve of mine.
An unpredictable or unsafe environment:I definitely like to know what’s going on…and don’t like surprises.
Being accused of just being a “scaredy-cat”: I think I do a good job of keeping my worries on the inside. haha
Being called negative or pessimistic:I’m a realist!
Not having an escape route:I definitely like to know where the exits are!
Movie Quotes:
I thought these movie quotes were fun for each type:
…and this one:
Anyway, just a fun look at what scares certain types of people!
I hope your week has gotten off to a great start. I was sluggish yesterday thanks to a long travel day on Sunday, but it was nice to sleep in, unpack, do laundry, and run a couple of errands. Of course, the kids had places to go too!
I’ve shared parts one and two of our trip to the Pacific Northwest, and today, I’m linking up with Joanne for…
…to share all about part 3.
I apologize but this post will probably be the one that has the most pics 😂…and please note that I actually have narrowed down what I want to share. haha
Once we left Eugene, we had about a three hour drive to the Oregon coast. Travis had found this really cute house in Rockaway Beach, and we were excited to go there.
To be honest, Travis planned these couple of days to “appease” me in the sense that he knows how much I love a beach. Of course, I had to manage the kids’ (especially Hadley’s) expectations that this isn’t the same kind of beach and ocean water that they are used to when we go to Florida.
I am glad that we took the two days here, and honestly, the timing was perfect because we were tired! We’d been busy and the time change had officially caught up with us.
Anyway, the details of the house were so cute, and I even loved the front door as it is one of my favorite colors!
The living room picture window was, well, picturesque. The cute little gate open with the ocean view…we were ready to get the lay of the land.
This little nook was perfect for sipping coffee and reading.
This little window with the view was too cute as well.
The view from the kitchen:
The details throughout the house were just perfect. I’d never seen this before, but this little hatch opened to allow in the breeze, and you could hear the ocean! There was one in each of the bedrooms.
After unloading the car, Hadley and I headed to the beach.
The short walk was perfection...
…as were the views.
I was surprised at how warm it actually was there. It was in the high 70’s, and with the sunshine, it felt warmer.
Once Hayden and Travis got to the beach, I took a little walk.
It was such a lovely day. I ended up walking about half a mile and spotted a restaurant on the ocean that I’d seen as a dinner option. I just didn’t realize how close it was to our house. So, I walked back and told my family that I’d spotted it.
We hung out on the beach for a couple of hours, and then we walked to the Sand Dollar restaurant. There was a bit of a wait, but we ended up being able to sit on the patio for dinner. We had amazing views as well as delicious food. I had clam chowder, and it was so good.
Then, we walked back to our house. I had Hadley take my pic with Trav since we didn’t get one on our anniversary the day before.
Then, I persuaded the kids to let me take their pic since I said the next day the weather forecast called for rain…which meant that we’d most likely not have a sunset session. Hadley wanted a couple of pics too.
The kids headed back to the house, and Trav and I watched the sunset. I love a beach sunset…even for just one night!
While Travis and I watched the sunset, the kids walked a couple of blocks to the market to get marshmallows to roast. Truly, the town seemed kind of “sleepy,” but it was nice that our location was close to some restaurants and markets. They kids are the perfect age for a bit of independence…and they have no trouble using a debit card. haha!
Anyway, once they got back, we sat on the back patio and roasted some marshmallows.
Hadley perched herself up on the chair outside the patio. She had quite the view of the ocean.
After the fire extinguished, we came inside and got ready for bed. We’d had a great first day on the coast.
We’d checked the weather, and we knew Wednesday seemed like it might be overcast and rainy…and it was. I’m really glad we hung out at the beach the day before, since this day was more of what I assumed Oregon weather to be like.
We slept in, and then I went to the beach to read and sip my coffee. It was 57 degrees…and I loved it!
Hayden ran while Hadley slept in. Around 12:00, we got moving and decided to drive about a half hour to Cannon Beach.
We’ve all seen The Goonies movie, but Hayden and I definitely consider it a favorite. So, we made our way to Haystack Rock once we got to Cannon Beach. This is definitely a popular tourist spot, but it wasn’t too crowded. The weather was pretty chilly!
We explored for a bit…
…and then we made our way to Pelican Brewing Co. for lunch. Travis has a real knack for knowing if there’s a brewery nearby. Travis and I split the fish and chips, and it was a delicious lunch. Hadley had the clam chowder, and she loved it.
Honestly, this afternoon was one of my favorites. We had nothing on the agenda, so we explored the town of Cannon Beach. I found the library, and the kids found the candy store. We walked around for about an hour going in and out of shops. I ended up getting a sweatshirt, and it’s now one of my faves.
Then, it really started to rain, so we made our way back to the car.
The drive on Highway 101 is unreal. Again, it was nice to have the time to just pull over at the scenic stops. I couldn’t get over the fog…
…and Hadley is always up for a little walk.
It was so pretty, and the pics don’t do it justice. I felt like everywhere I looked was a Bob Ross painting!
Hayden was really wanting to watch the NBA draft, and due to the time difference, that meant he wanted to be home around 4:00. We made it back in time, and while he watched the draft, I read.
We had a lovely, lazy evening at the house. We were all pretty full from lunch, so we just ate sandwiches and other leftovers at the house. I baked cookies too.
That night, we watched Stand By Me. It was a really great way to end our day.
Thursday morning, I went to the beach for about thirty minutes. It was chilly, but I loved it. If I’m near the water, I always say “goodbye” to the ocean.
“Until we meet again…”
Then, it was time to pack up and say goodbye to this cute little house.
After we packed up, we made our way to Astoria. My brother had been there many years ago, and again, like him, we love The Goonies.
We drove about an hour and a half, and made it to Astoria. The Goonies house was easy to find (thanks to a Google search for the address!)
We parked and walked up the gravel driveway to the house.
This was the view looking out from Goonies house:
Hadley snapped our pic, so I could send it to my brother. (He gives me grief for not following his suggestions when we are traveling…haha!)
After we left the Goonie house and walked to our car, I looked up and saw this view, so of course I had to take a picture.
As I took that pic, my brother texted back and said I had to go see the elementary school from Kindergarten Cop. Right as I read this message, I turned around and saw an playground and wondered if I was looking at the back of the elementary school. Well, I was! I walked around to the front to send him another pic as proof. I was telling the kids about it, so now we have to watch that movie too.
After that, we got back in the car, and drove a bit, crossing a beautiful bridge into Washington. Even rest stops in Washington have views:
We drove a couple of hours making our way to Olympic National Park, and the Lake Quinault Lodge.
We couldn’t wait to explore the national park and this property!
So, that’s part three of our trip! I’m so glad we added in these couple of “beach” days as they were perfectly timed to relax a bit and have a different beach experience.
This was a WordPress prompt a while back, and it had me taking a trip down memory lane…
Look at me in 2002 in my classroom my first year teaching…that’s a big ol’ computer, printer, and floppy disk holder!
Through the years, technology has really changed how we teach. All of my classrooms from my first fifteen years of teaching still had an overhead projector.
My first few years, the kids mostly learned a from textbooks and worksheets.
My previous school was in a smaller district, and they did incorporate more technology before a lot of the larger districts. After my first couple of years at that school, they added on to their building, and my classroom was in the new wing. My classroom had an electronic (Smart) whiteboard that I used pretty often. Also, students had chromebooks before the Covid days.
Now, I’m in a larger district, and through the years, most of the classrooms had the Smart boards, and then last year, we all got interactive flat panels, and it’s another thing to learn!
I still love my regular white board, and still write on it most days.
During Covid, most (all?) districts became 1:1 with technology, and we all became acquainted with Zoom.
We still have some meetings and professional development opportunities on Zoom. Today, I actually have a PD on our new textbooks via Zoom.
Because of their computers, students have easy access to be able to type their papers, do research, and turn in assignments.
Many online resources include:
Canvas
Google: classroom, docs, and slides
Online textbook (I still have a class set in my room which is my preferred method. That being said, at least online is available for students who are absent or who didn’t finish a class assignment) Another thing I appreciate about online textbooks is that students can use the “read” feature to have the text read to them. Honestly, as a teacher, I appreciate that feature…especially when reading Shakespeare!!
No Red Ink – checks for plagarism
Students can easily access and check their grades (even though they don’t do that often)
Email to correspond with teachers
There are so many benefits to what we have thanks to technology that help keep our kids engaged.
Unfortunately, students feel like they have to be entertained all the time. As a teacher, we can plan engaging lessons thanks to sites like:
IXL
Blooket
Newsela
Kahoot
Nearpod
Flipgrid
Quizlet
There are also downfalls to technology, and students being off task because of chromebooks. Don’t even get me started on AI!
Post Covid, many teachers still relied on online learning, but now I’m seeing most teachers split the difference and have some online assignments and some paper assignments.
Overall, teachers do spend less time having to make copies these days which is nice.
I’m still “old school” when it comes to planning. I look forward to buying my new desk calendar and lesson plan book every year. The past couple of years I’ve used Happy Planner stickers to spruce up my calendar pages.
Looking back on my 22 years in education, many things have changed. I think I started teaching right as technology (computers, anyway) started being classrooms.
My first couple of years teaching, I still received a phone call via the phone tree for a snow day. Of course, for years, that information has been on the news, but now we all receive automated phone calls and texts…even the students.
We now have digital hall and tardy passes, there are cameras all throughout the building, we can document parent contacts easily, submit paperwork and so much more now that we have greater technology. As teachers, we can share resources easier as well.
Students now take the ACT and other standardized tests online.
I run my school’s after school tutoring, and just this month, stipends became electronic. I used to lose about thirty minutes every other Friday tracking down paper stipends, getting them signed, scanned and submitted. Now, I can approve everything in a few clicks.
Honestly, most everything I listed is just the “tip of the technology in education iceberg.”
I do think that technology has many benefits in education and technology sure has changed my job. In some ways it’s made it easier, and in other ways, we have other battles now because of it. (Like AI, don’t even get me started on cellphones). I have at least eight more years left in education, and I’m sure more changes in technology will come. They’ll have to continue to “teach this old dog new tricks!”
I like when topics turn in to a “stroll down memory lane.”
So, I had this post in mind last week, and thought if I wrote it, maybe Mother Nature would take the hint and throw some snow our way….but then we actually got snow yesterday, so this post is really timely! Anyway, here’s what a “perfect” snow day would look like:
1.
First of all, there would actually be snow…
We’ve had many days off in the past for cold temps, flu, ice…I love a good six inch snow. With that kind of snow, it’s pretty to look at, the kids can play in it, and we can make snow ice cream.
2.
Sleeping in is amazing on a snow day. We’ll take a day off when we can get it, but it’s great to know the night before, so we don’t have to set alarms when we go to bed.
I did love when the kids were little and they’d sleep in a bit and then rush out of their rooms thinking we were late for school. So sweet.
Now, if we we find out the night before, they find out via text like the rest of us.
3.
On an ideal snow day, Trav would be home too. It’s pretty rare for him to miss work due to the weather as it doesn’t take much snow for us to get a day off, so it’s probably ok driving conditions for him.
There have been years where we’ve gotten a lot of snow or ice, and he’s stayed home or come home early.
Although, if he’s home for more than one day, he wants to be productive…and that’s not the energy I’m looking for on a snow day 😆
4.
Snowman pancakes are a tradition on the first snow/ice/day off of the season. I started this tradition when the kids were in preschool, and I plan on carrying this tradition on until they graduate high school!
5.
The kids will get bundled up and go play outside.
While I miss the froggy hats, I am content with the fact that the kids are old enough to dress themselves and go play outside with friends without an adult!
6.
Homer can go outside and have fun too! Part Husky Homer loves the snow. (Once he gets down the back steps…He’s always hesitant to go down the steps the first time it snows!)
7.
Sledding! The kids have logged lots of memories sledding through the years.
It doesn’t take much for them to want to go sledding…
…and sledding is always more fun with friends.
8.
Snow angels are fun too. Well, for them…not for me.
…and who doesn’t love building a snowman?
9.
Hot chocolate after playing in the snow is perfect on a snow day whether you are 4 or 14!
10.
A fire in the fireplace and time to read makes for a perfect snow day for me.
11.
Winter movies (and maybe a nap!) are great on snow days too.
12.
Snow ice cream is a treat when we get lots of snow. We don’t always think to do this one, but when we do, we never regret it!
I will say that snow days now “hit different.” The past couple of years, we had NTI days (non-traditional instruction) where students have homework to do that’s posted online. But…we also had a few days off that were just snow days.
This year, they announced that any snow/ice day will be an NTI day. (unless there are power outages or it just makes sense to have a traditional day off) I really don’t want to be in school any later than we already are, so I can appreciate NTI as an option. Our students got an extra week of summer this past year, and we get a week at fall break, so NTI days are what we need to do to still get out around Memorial Day.
That being said, I hope that teachers strike a balance in what they ask students to do. In general, students shouldn’t have more than three hours total of work per day, and I feel like my kids have had a lot more than that in the past.
I guess we will see how today goes…It’s NTI day #1.
This post also made me a bit nostalgic because sometimes I really do miss when the kids were little…and these snow day memories have me feeling that way.
I know not everyone gets a snow day off, so I don’t take for granted not having to drive in the elements and being able to stay home in my pjs when the weather is bad.
A few week ago, WordPress had a writing prompt: How do you celebrate holidays? I thought it was a good one to write about.
Today, I’m taking a look at how my family celebrates most of the holidays…in calendar order…
Valentine’s Day:
Travis and I have never been big gift givers on Valentine’s Day. He knows I love a card, so I typically get one from him (with his signature bubble letters for my name). We’ve always tried to go out to dinner at some point around that time of the year as our gift to each other.
Once we had the kids, I started celebrating it a bit more because of them. I probably make too big of a deal about it, but I usually give them chocolates and a few small gifts.
I miss the dress up days:
Last year, the kids had a school dance around that time. Hayden was thrilled.
I always enjoy decorating a bit for V-Day too…
One of my favorite traditions is that we always send family a Valentine’s Day card.
St. Patrick’s Day:
Growing up, we’d always have corned beef and cabbage, and that’s a tradition I started carrying on quite a few years ago. My brother and his family come over for dinner, and my dad typically visits us around this time of the year. I don’t do much else for St. Pat’s Day. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to a parade or anything like that.
I usually make “lucky” pancakes if I remember!
Easter:
I enjoy putting out a few Easter decorations after St. Patrick’s Day.
We always dye Easter eggs a few days before Easter.
We do Easter baskets and find the hidden eggs in the morning…
…before heading to church.
Then, we typically drive to E-town to see Trav’s family.
Mother’s Day:
For Mother’s Day every year, I ask for a card, hanging ferns for the front porch, and for my children to behave. We go to church, and then typically go out to brunch or an early dinner.
Last year, Hadley had a dance competition, but it was still a lovely day.
Don’t blink!
Of course, I call my mom and we always send a gift. Sometimes her birthday even falls on Mother’s Day.
Memorial Day:
Memorial Day Celebration with American Flag on background. Text “Memorial Day – Remember and Honor”
Growing up, my dad’s side of the family often got together for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and sometimes Labor Day too. For us, Memorial Day weekend is obviously when the pool opens, so lots of time is typically spent there.
Through the years, we’ve also had ball games, track meets, and other commitments. The past few years, we’ve gotten together with neighbors which is nice.
Father’s Day:
There have been quite a few Father’s Days spent at the ball field, and sometimes we are on vacation. No matter where we are, we celebrate T-rav.
Last year, we went canoeing and had ice cream cake.
I call my dad and usually send him some kind of gift and card. If he’s visiting sometime around his May birthday and Father’s Day, we’ll make a point to grill out steaks and have a nice dinner.
4th of July:
Ah! I love the 4th of July. Again, as a kid, I remember getting together with family, grilling out and watching fireworks.
Of course, when the kids were little, I loved dressing them in red, white, and blue.
Some years we are on vacation, and other years we are at home.
There have been a couple of years Hadley has been at camp, and I’ve missed having her home for one of my favorite holidays.
I typically make red, white, and blue waffles.
If we are home, we typically grill out, light a few low-key fireworks, and then go watch fireworks from our favorite place.
Labor Day:
Labor Day weekend is usually pretty relaxed. With school starting a few weeks before, we typically like having down time at home.
That being said, the pool is still open, so we usually end up there at some point.
The past few years, Hayden has had a cross country meet that weekend, and often times there’s the first Kentucky home football game.
Sometimes, we get together with our neighbors too.
Halloween:
Oh I’ve loved Halloween through the years. Since the kids’ first Halloween, we have had some pretty great traditions. For years and years, we got together with the same crew of friends.
My brother and his family would come over too. They’d come to our house, and we’d have soup or chili before trick-or-treating.
Once the kids hit middle school, they wanted to run around the neighborhood a bit more with school friends, and they started doing that.
I’ve loved their Halloween costumes through the years.
Now, we’re a week out from Halloween, and there hasn’t been any costume talk. I won’t be surprised if Hadley and friends throw something together, but I don’t think it’s on Hayden’s radar. Maybe he’ll help me pass out candy?
Last year was the first year that Travis and I were back sitting on the front porch passing out candy. It was bittersweet, but I guess that’s where we are now.
Thankfully, our pumpkin carving and “spooky” dinner traditions live on!
Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Time with family, great food, and no gifts!! When I first moved to Kentucky, I declared that we’d go to KC for Thanksgiving and Christmas as often as possible. From 2004-2008, we didn’t miss a KC Thanksgiving or Christmas. In 2009, we stayed home because the kids were just born. After that, we drove to KC for most Thanksgivings and Christmases. Around 2019, we started alternating between Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.
Anyway, no matter where we are, I love starting my Thanksgiving morning with coffee and the parade.
We either have Thanksgiving at my cousin’s house in Kc…
… or Trav’s aunt’s house in E-town if we stay home.
My sister-in-law hosted us in 2020.
I love a pumpkin pie for dessert on Thanksgiving.
There are no better leftovers than Thanksgiving leftovers. Our tradition is to make turkey rice soup on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Christmas:
Christmas is a busy time of the year for most!
I always enjoy decorating the house, and usually put out decorations mid-November.
We make the most of December with a few holiday parties, seeing the Christmas lights at the horse park, and baking cookies.
For years, our elf would visit.
Since the kids were little, most Christmases we celebrated early at home because we’d go to KC for Christmas. Trav’s mom has always hosted his family’s Christmas on the 23rd, so when the kids were little, we’d leave a note for our elf to take to Santa asking him to come on the 22nd. Thankfully, this always worked, and we didn’t have any questions from the kids.
I love sending out Christmas cards every year. I love it so much (and have a tough time deciding) that I typically choose a couple of cards to send.
One tradition I love is that the kids still pick out something to give each other on Christmas morning.
Whether it’s a year we stay home or go to Kc, we always go to Louisville on the 23rd and celebrate with Trav’s family. Then, we head to KC on the 24th.
In KC, we spend Christmas Eve at my dad’s cousin’s house and then spend Christmas Day at my dad’s, mom’s and Gma’s houses.
While in KC, we usually make our traditional Christmas cookies, and go see the “magic tree.”
In Lex, we go to church on Christmas Eve and then let the kids open one gift before leaving milk and cookies out for Santa when the kids were little.
Then, we open gifts in the morning, have breakfast and relax most of the day. No matter where we are, we watch A Christmas Story on Christmas day.
New Year’s Eve and Day:
This will probably not come as a shock to anyone, but I’ve never been a big fan of NYE. I miss the days of tricking the kids with a countdown at 9:00!
For many years, we didn’t have tons of plans and the kids would be in bed early with us following not too far after.
Some years, we’ve hung out with neighbors and the past couple of years we’ve had a progressive dinner with friends. It’s nice that the kids can kind of do their own thing while the adults hang out.
Most of New Year’s Day is spent hanging out, watching football, and clinging to the final days of winter break!
Shew! What a fun way to look at an entire year of festivities. At times, life can feel so hectic, but we sure have a lot of fun!
A recent WordPress prompt suggestion was “What jobs have you had?”
I was with Hadley at a dentist appointment recently, and I was telling her how my first job was at a dentist office, so this prompt is timely.
I got my first job when I was 16 and was able to drive. I was lucky because a family friend had a dental/orthodontist practice in our neighborhood and needed some part time help after school. Starting my junior year of high school, I worked 3-5:30 a couple days a week and then 8-12 a couple Saturdays a month.
At the dental office, I pulled patient charts, called for appointment reminders, organized insurance claims, answered the phone, and scheduled appointments. At first, I think I mostly just pulled the charts and made phone calls. As time went on, my responsibilities grew to other things and sometimes I even developed the pano x-rays and got patients ready to see the technicians. My freshman year of college, I stayed home for school, and I worked more hours at the dentist office.
When I went away to school my sophomore year, I worked at the front desk of the dorm that I lived in. The summer after my sophomore year, I babysat my cousin’s son. I really enjoyed that. My junior year, I still lived in the dorm and I was in charge of the front desk workers and worked the desk myself too. I can’t remember my actual job title, but I did get a single room paid for my junior year. The summer after my junior year, I worked at a church preschool with some of my friends.
My senior year of college, I worked for Missouri Athletics in the ticket office. I’d answer the phone, sell tickets, and work some of the games at will call. It was a really easy job and one I was able to do a bit on the weekends when I student taught second semester of my senior year. BONUS: while working the ticket office, I met Travis.
(Before working in the horse industry, Travis worked in college athletics. First her worked for UK, then Mizzou, and then moved back to Kentucky to enter the horse business. I moved to Kentucky after my second year teaching.)
After my senior year, I became a teacher…21 years later, that’s still my job!
What was the first job you had or your favorite job? Trav’s first job was doing landscaping in Louisville…I assume in high school. One of his friend’s parents had a family landscaping business. There are still some parts of Louisville we drive through and he points out the trees he planted. haha!
Anyway, I haven’t thought about my work history in quite some time! This was a fun walk down memory lane.
WordPress posts writing prompt ideas, and I saw this one the other day:
How do you balance work and home life?
So, today I’m sharing my thoughts on that topic…
When thinking about this topic, the first few ideas that popped in my mind were: stay organized, say no when needed, and maximize your time.
When I moved to my current school, that definitely helped with work/home balance. I had a shorter drive which meant I got back at least 45 minutes-an hour of my day. Also, my current school starts earlier, so now I have more time after school. I’m also on the same schedule/calendar as my kids which is nice.
Also, I’d always wished I could pick my kids up from school when they were in elementary school. With the middle/high school schedule in my district, I’m able to pick them up when they don’t have after school activities. That’s one example of me feeling more balanced in regards to school and home.
Organization:
You know my “Type A” self loves to be organized. As a family, we use the Cozi app. I’m really good about entering appointments, etc. in it –the kids need to be reminded to look at it. haha
I have a note on my phone for the week. This is just for me. I keep up with it adding in what we have every evening, errands, and other reminders.
I try to do things at home bit by bit to stay on top of everything. Also, our house is typically pretty tidy. I always feel better picking up before bed to start the day with a clean house. The kids’ rooms aren’t always tidy. Usually, on Sundays I ask them to “regroup” for the week and pick up their rooms. Sometimes, I feel like all I do is nag…but, at least with this, I’m only nagging on Sundays if needed.
Also, everyone in the house has to help out. I still sometimes feel like Travis and I do more than we need to, but the kids really do what they are supposed to do…eventually.
At school, I use my planner to stay organized and make lists. There’s always a sticky note (or two) on my desk that I use to guide my week and day.
Also, I never leave school on a Friday before I am ready for the following week. I still might have copies to make on Monday, but I have a sticky note with a to do list ready to go.
I can’t do it all…Sometimes, even with everything planned out, the kids will need a ride somewhere. It’s ok to ask for help. I’m very thankful for my “mom gang.” My brother and sister-in-law also help if I need Hadley taken to dance, for example, while we’re at Hayden’s game.
Just Say No:
If I have a busy day at school or know that I need to leave ASAP, I often times just keep to myself during the day. I just stay as focused as possible. I hate cutting a conversation short, but I know that some days I need every minute to get my work done.
Also, by now, I know my limits…sometimes a Friday night calls for pajamas by 7:00 rather than a night out. Do I still get FOMO? Yes…haha, but I do know that sometimes it’s better to have a quiet night at home and get caught up on sleep.
Maximize Your Time:
I learned a long time ago to leave school at school. Once I had the kids, I just maximized my time at school, so I could leave ASAP. Similar to “just say no” above, sometimes that means no socializing because I need to get school work done in order to leave whenever I need to.
Even when I had my regular English classes with 150 students, I never brought work home to grade. I’d grade as much as I could during the day. Then, every other week or so, I’d make sure Travis could pick up the kids and handle home stuff, so I could get caught up at school. Meaning I might stay at school for a couple of hours to get caught up if needed.
Y’all, I know it’s a busy season of life, but sometimes I feel like all I do is manage my time…even when I have a window of time, I still set a timer. For example, I might have thirty minutes to read, but I usually have to set a timer to prompt myself to make dinner, pick up the kids, or get my workout in.
Unfortunately, my kids aren’t the best at time management…yet? (hence, why sometimes I feel like a nag). I know it’s a learned skill (and a weakness for some), but I’m ready for them to master that skill. haha
Also….
I rarely check email after hours. I do still have it on my phone, and I know some don’t…but I do like having access to it. I do want my kids to have my attention when I’m at home, so I try to be “present” when they are around. I never want them to look over from the side lines to see me replying to a school email.
I also know that I will have times where I “have” to be “caught up” like the end of a grading period or right before a break. When we have a break, I know I can give 100% at home/relax a bit more then.
I even make some of my “me” time a scheduled part of my day. I get up at least 45 minutes before the rest of the house. I also schedule in my workouts in the evenings so that I’m more likely to get them done.
I still often feel imbalanced, but I also feel better for at least having a plan.
Do you have any secrets for home/work life balance? Let me know!
Hello! I hope your week is off to a great start. After a lazy Sunday, I had a very productive Monday. I caught up on laundry, including bedding, helped Hadley put sequins on her leotard, ran some errands, and tidied up around the house.
It’s been a while since I’ve done a Tuesday Talk…
…and today, I’m taking about actual word and phrases…all about the current slang sitch:
Being a high school teacher and a mom of two 7th graders, I hear all the things. It’s basically my job to keep up with the lingo so both my students and my own kids don’t think I’m an actual dinosaur.
What the kids are saying “these days,” seems to be ever evolving, and it’s just funny to me some of the things my own kids say…especially Hadley…she’s for sure on the pulse of the current lingo!
Also, at school, I’ve always tried to use humor, and sometimes sarcasm, with my students just to keep things light-hearted. I usually drop in one of the popular words or phrases incorrectly…on purpose…to get a laugh and it always works. By using the word kind of incorrectly, I get more out of my students…a laugh, an eye roll, a conversation…It’s just a way for me to connect with them.
One thing I will not tolerate, at home or at school, is anyone calling me “bruh” 😂 That’s a no for me…
Here are a few things I hear in the halls and at home:
Imagine: This is usually said as the opposite of someone having to do something. For example, if Hadley has finished her homework, but I have to remind Hayden to finish his work, she will say, “Imagine!”
The rizz: I think this is a Tik Tok saying…and it means flirt game is strong. You can also have “W rizz” and “L rizz” meaning someone is good …or not at flirting. “He has W rizz.”(He’s good at flirting)
It’s giving:Someone’s look is a vibe. My outfit is giving today. or It’s giving___ like “It’s giving country chic…”
Periodt.: End of story. Nothing more to say. This seems to often be used after someone says a fact/true statement. The other person would say, “Periodt.”
Dead. or I’m dead.: something is so funny you could die from laughing. After telling a funny story, someone responds with “Dead” or “I’m dead.”
Sus. or That’s sus.: Suspector something is questionable or dishonest. After someone says something that doesn’t seem true, “that’s sus” is the response.
Slay. Greatly impressed. “You slay me!” or just “Slay!”afer something good happens.
Baddie. Someone who does something badora girl who is still put together even on a bad day.She’s such a baddie!
Bussin’ – Really good. I know I made a good dinner if the kids say it’s “bussin.” Just yesterday, we were baking a cake, and Hadley said, “Mom, it smells bussin.“
Of course, the English teacher in me wanted to use them in a sentence for you, and I hope it helps! haha
Believe me, this list of current slang could have gone on and on.
What a word or phrase you remember as a popular saying?
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