Life Right Now #4

As I look outside my window: The snowfall from Wednesday has stuck around and the wind has kicked up. It’s beautiful if I don’t want to drive anywhere.

Right now I am: Deciding which quick bread I want to make for brunch today…

Thinking and pondering: What snacks and food do I want to buy for our trip.

On my bedside table: Rest of Alice in Borderland; The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan; Water Moon Samantha Sambao Yotto

On my tv this week: J and I have continued our currently airing shows. We also watched The Gorge for a monster filled Valentine’s Day movie. I kept up with Below Deck and The Bachelor. Plus I’ve watched a ton of Stray Kids music videos. Apparently it’s my new obsession.

Listening to: All the Stray Kids songs. Seriously, I put their entire catalog on shuffle and have been dancing along.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip

• Tuesday - Sesame Chicken

• Wednesday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Thursday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese

• Friday - Kansas City Trip

• Saturday - Kansas City Trip

• Sunday - Kansas City Trip

On my to do list: Mostly I just need to pack for our trip. We leave on Friday morning, and I currently have nothing packed. Today’s task is to finish the laundry and get the clothes sorted. From there, I can make my other packing list. Plus I need to finish my grocery list for Wednesday.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Dirty Book Month Book Club

• Wednesday - Joslyn Art Explorers; Book Club

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Kansas City Trip

• Saturday - Kansas City Trip

• Sunday - Kansas City Trip

What I am creating: Nothing too exciting this week. I had wanted to get my Memory Planner for February started this weekend, but that may not happen.

My simple pleasures: Watching the snow fall, hot tea, fun music

Looking around the house: I need to do a bit of random pickup and clean before Tuesday’s book club.

From the camera: Despite the cold, I do enjoy the snow.

Life Right Now #3

As I look outside my window: It’s alternating between cloudy and sunny, but it’s still very cold. Just another February day.

Right now I am: Finishing up some tasks before making brunch. Nothing too exciting.

Thinking and pondering: How exactly should we start our War and Peace podcast?

On my bedside table: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, Alice in Borderland, Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

On my tv this week: J and I are watching our just dropped/currently airing shows along with more Dropout shows from years past.

Listening to: In between all the other things, I’ve been binging the You’re Wrong About mini series about Princess Diana. Also, I just downloaded some new-to-me albums from bands old and new.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sesame Chicken

• Tuesday - Snack Dinner

• Wednesday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip (with Buffalo Chicken Strips this time)

• Thursday - Shrimp Lo Mein

• Friday - Spaghetti

• Saturday - Chicken Tagine

• Sunday - Scallops Salad

On my to do list: I’m certain a lot, but right now I’m focused on finishing my Memory Planner for January and prepping for the coming week.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Kid Birthday Party

• Tuesday - Parent Info Meetings (lunch at the food court and evening at home)

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Bowling Party for Valentine’s Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: J and I had a plan to read War and Peace this year and then decided that we are going to make a podcast out of the project. So, I’m working on creating a background plan about the novel for our first episode and then to put in when relevant.

My simple pleasures: Not being sick, being able to eat on both sides of my mouth, simplified planner decor

Looking around the house: I need to do a bit of light cleaning in the living room and kitchen for this week. Mostly I just need to vacuum and put away some piles.

From the camera: Apparently I am terrible about taking photos this year so far…

Life Right Now #2

On my bedside table: I have the next three volumes of Alice and Borderland, a book about shipwrecks, and War and Peace (yes, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy).

On my tv this week: J and I are in the middle of The Recruit S2, Severance S2, Shoresy S4, The Franchise S1, and Rivals S1. I’m watching Pantheon S1 and am absolutely hooked (J already watched it).

Listening to: I’ve been binging some Stray Kids, Bring Me the Horizon, The Warning, and Dead Poet Society this week

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Tuesday - Baked Potato Soup

• Wednesday - Kimchi Stew with Tuna

• Thursday - Rueben Pigs in a Blanket

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: Mostly I just need to stay on top of the logistical tasks and homeschool planning

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Zoo Day; Dentist Appt (my permanent crown)

• Wednesday - Luminarium visit (before our membership expires)

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Nature hike at OPPD Arboretum; playdate at a friend’s house

• Saturday - Parent Info Meeting

• Sunday - Co-op Book Club

What I am creating: Mostly I’m just making plans. I want to get to my Memory Planner for January, but that might wait until next weekend.

My simple pleasures: A good book, time to organize and decorate my planner, no urgent messages

Looking around the house: Things are decent. I should vacuum the playroom today, but that’s the most pressing need.

From the camera: Coffee and a book before my meeting this morning

Life Right Now #1

On my bedside table: I’ve got a stack of library books to prioritize. Not quite sure which one I want to read first.

On my tv this week: We finished up SAS Rogue Heroes S2. I finished Star Struck S3, Monarch S1, and Love Life S2.

Listening to: Nothing too interesting. I have had Dead Poets Society on repeat lately.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Kofta Patty Pitas

• Tuesday - Black Bean Soup

• Wednesday - Texas Cheese Fries

• Thursday - Snack Dinner

• Friday - Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls

• Saturday - Burritos

• Sunday - Prosciutto and Fig Pizzas

On my to do list: The only thing I’m thinking about right now is getting my tooth issue taken care of. I got a temporary crown last week while they make my permanent one, but now my temp one has come off. Hopefully tomorrow the dentist can fit me in to fix the temp in the between time. I’m so very annoyed by this situation and it’s ramped up my anxiety to the highest levels.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Hopefully a dentist appointment

• Tuesday - Home day

• Wednesday - Joslyn Art Museum

• Thursday - Academic Co-op; Co-op Happy Hour

• Friday -Fontenelle Forest Hike; Board Game Club

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club

What I am creating: Nothing much. I have been working on some trip plans, but something too creative.

My simple pleasures: Iced tea, cheesecake, propulsive reads

Looking around the house: After so much sickness, the house was a bit messy and cluttered. I spent a lot of time yesterday cleaning things up and putting things away. I feel so much better.

From the camera: A entire week with no pictures…

Life Right Now #30

Right now I am: I am deciding what to make for brunch. I’m thinking either cranberry orange pound cake or pecan pie pound cake for today.

Thinking and pondering: What else should we do before leaving for Indiana. I have a list of possibilities, but I need to get the next car repair estimate in before making some decisions.

On my bedside table: I have a stack of holiday romances from the library. And I have a few romances to potentially use for Dirty Book Month in February.

On my tv this week: J and I started The Essex Serpent finally. It’s been on my list for awhile now. I wanted to watch it before traveling to Indiana.

Listening to: I put on the Christmas music mix this week. It’s not on all the time, but I’m mixing it in here and there.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chili

• Tuesday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Wednesday - Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli

• Thursday - Sloppy Joes

• Friday - Chickpea Stew

• Saturday - Snack Dinner

• Sunday - Chicken Tikka Masala

On my to do list: I have a ton of little things and errands to run this week. Plus we need to start packing for Christmas. And I want to look up some classes for spring for Arthur. And I need to wrap the presents.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Another car repair estimate; Reindeer at Mulhalls

• Tuesday - Dentist appointment; Book Club

• Wednesday - Homeschool in the Hills

• Thursday - Academic Co-op (Last week!)

• Friday - The Nutcracker Ballet @ The Orpheum

• Saturday - Academic Co-op Working Meeting; Book Club Book and Bottle Exchange

• Sunday - Home Day (Packing time!)

What I am creating: I have piles of homeschooling in the office waiting to be decided upon. I want to get some of it organized before leaving for Indiana.

My simple pleasures: Peppermint chocolate covered marshmallows from Aldi’s are amazing. They are my new obsession.

Looking around the house: We did a big clean and pick up before book club yesterday and things are looking pretty decent. I do want to get some other things put away and cleaned up before we leave. I enjoy coming home to a nice and tidy house after traveling.

From the camera: Fun new addition to the Rock n Lights

Life Right Now #29

On my bedside table: I have a few more non-holiday reads left in my library pile. Up next is The Gargoyle’s Captive by Katee Robert.

On my tv this week: Continuing our usual shows like Umm Actually, Only Murders in the Building, and Last Week Tonight. We also watched a really forgetful movie with The Jackpot.

Listening to: It’s been a big week for podcast listening. I listened to a ton of Magic Tavern, Nothing is Real, 99PI, You’re Wrong About, and Cabinet of Curiosities.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Hummus Bowls with Spiced Beef

• Tuesday - Cider Braised Chicken Thighs

• Wednesday - BLT Pasta

• Thursday - Thanksgiving! By ourselves this year, but we’re eating all the usual goodies.

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Honey Lime Tilapia

• Sunday - Beef and Barley Stew

On my to do list: Mostly we are taking it easy this week, so not a lot on my list. Mostly I’m making all the lists and planning our projects.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Co-op Meet and Greet at Westroads; Bookworms Book Club

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday -Thanksgiving

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Lots of lists. Specifically I was focusing on our Christmas bucket list and Christmas advent for this year. But I also made lots of other lists.

My simple pleasures: Hot tea, jigsaw puzzles, cozy mornings

Looking around the house: Meh. We’ve been home a lot this week due to sickness, but surprisingly the house is in decent condition.

From the camera: Beautiful fungus on a tree at Platte River… I didn’t take any photos this week.

Life Right Now #28

Right now I am: Enjoying my coffee before needing to go pick up Arthur from his first sleepover.

On my bedside table: Hmmm… there’s a ton of random library books sitting on my floor. So I guess I’ll pick something from there.

On my tv this week: We’ve been continuing all of our Dropout shows.

Listening to: I jumped back into podcasts with a ton of 99PI, Magic Tavern, and You’re Wrong About. I’m also about halfway through an audiobook.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Pot Roast

• Tuesday - Snack Dinner

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Cod with Hoisin Sauce

• Friday - Hawaiian Pork Nachos

• Saturday - Pomegranate Chicken

• Sunday - Vegetable Beef Soup

On my to do list: Um… I have no idea. I’m sure that I have a ton of random tasks, but I’m just shoving my list to the side right now.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Sketchbook Hang; Co-op Happy Hour

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday -Academic Co-op; Fall Homeschool Dance

• Friday - Fontenelle Forest Hike

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Breakfast Club

What I am creating: Nothing much. I’m really in a lull right now.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate cake, video game time

Looking around the house: I should do a big pickup and clear some piles.

From the camera: Always love to visit the waterfall at Platte River SP

Life Right Now #27

On my bedside table: Um… I have a ton of library checkouts, but not sure what I want to read next. I’m deep into a historical fiction right now.

On my tv this week: J and I mostly caught up on a ton of the Dropout shows.

Listening to: I’ve gotten back into a ton of my podcasts including Magic Tavern, 99PI, Nerdette, Nothing is Real, and You’re Wrong About.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Peanut Sauce Chicken Bowls

• Tuesday - Shrimp Lo Mein

• Wednesday - Chicken and Noodles

• Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

• Friday - Thai Red Curry

• Saturday - Quentin Pick

• Sunday - Pot Roast

On my to do list: I’m certain many things, but the only thing I can think of right now is making a meal plan and grocery list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day

• Tuesday - Home day

• Wednesday - Joslyn Art Explorers

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Platte River Hike

• Saturday - Arthur at a Friend’s Birthday Sleepover

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Yesterday I finished my September Memory Planner. Today, I’m hoping to work on my October Memory Planner pages. Crafting a bit is really helping me be calm.

My simple pleasures: Pumpkin pie syrup in my creamer for an extra special coffee

Looking around the house: Meh. I’m in the middle of a big kitchen cleanout, so there are piles everywhere in there. The island is full of half eaten snacks and everyone has been instructed to not open anything new…

From the camera: Fascinating gypsum sand crystals from Morrill Hall

Life Right Now #26

On my bedside table: The last spooky season reads and the beginnings of the holiday romances.

On my tv this week: We’re close to catching up on all the Dropout shows (well, not all, but many of them). That’s about it.

Listening to: Mostly just all of the random music on my Apple Music

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken Nachos

• Wednesday -Tacos and Black Bean Soup

• Thursday - Apple Bacon Sweet Potatoes

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Peanut Sauce Chicken

• Sunday - BLT Grilled Cheese

On my to do list: I have a list of random little things that I need to do, but my big projects are done for the season.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Zoo Day

• Wednesday - Park Day

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Field Trip to Morrill Hall

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much. I need to make a list of creative projects to tackle.

My simple pleasures: Iced tea, checking off to-dos, a quiet moment

Looking around the house: After a whirlwind clean for book club yesterday, things are looking decent around here. I do need to take my Halloween decor down and leave the autumn decor up.

From the camera: Loving our Halloween season!

Life Right Now #25

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny but chilly. Perfect fall day!

Right now I am: Relaxing before brunch. My body decided to absolutely breakdown this week. After the birthday party last weekend, I could hardly move. And it struck again on Friday. All day yesterday I could hardly move and the room was spinning. It was terrible. I feel better now, but still very weak and unstable feeling. I definitely need to take it easy.

Thinking and pondering: Do I want to go to Vala’s tomorrow morning? We are going on Tuesday, but I also had us scheduled for tomorrow. That may be too much for me to handle…

On my bedside table: All the leftover spooky season books… I’m keeping it going in November before I switch to all the holiday romances.

On my tv this week: Not a ton. We did start the new seasons of What We Do in the Shadows and Lower Decks. But then the past few nights, I’ve gone to bed fairly early and just read.

Listening to: I finally downloaded the new Dead Poet Society album. Not sure how I missed that one, but have been enjoying the tracks this week.

On the menu for this week: Frankly, I have no idea. This week is going to be very weird. I do know that we are doing dinner at Vala’s on Tuesday, I have dinner out for book club on Wednesday, and Friday is pizza night. But we also have Halloween in there which usually means snack dinner. So no real cooking this week?

On my to do list: So much. My most pressing tasks are to print pages for Thursday’s co-op, go over my lesson notes, and print/create lessons for Friday’s Rock and Fossil Exploration.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Vala’s (maybe)

• Tuesday -Vala’s Campfire Night

• Wednesday - Book Club

• Thursday - Co-op; Halloween!

• Friday - Rock and Fossil Exploration

• Saturday - Co-op Kid Book Club

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Mostly just lesson plans.

My simple pleasures: Sleep…. that’s it

Looking around the house: Most of the birthday party stuff has been taken down and put away. I have a few random things to get taken care of today.

From the camera: Creepy rabbit at Vala’s. Clearly they redid part of the display, but somehow decided that the rabbit could stay. We always have to go say hi.

Life Right Now #24

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny, but thankfully cooler than yesterday. It reached 96 degrees yesterday and I could feel it at Junkstock. Today the high is 72 degrees and I’m so excited.

Right now I am: Going to put the computer down and pick up my book. I’m very invested in my current read.

Thinking and pondering: What am I forgetting when it comes to running the Academic Co-op? I feel like I don’t have all my ducks in a row, but I don’t even know now which ducks I need to get in a row. It’ll come to me, probably in the shower or at 2am.

On my bedside table: All the fall spooky books!

On my tv this week: J and I started S4 of Slow Horses and my goodness, it is intense. Just how we like it. He and I also continued our regular Dropout shows and watched the second episode of Dimension 20. I also continued Cafe Minamdang.

Listening to: Really not much at all this week. I caught an episode of Conspiracy She Wrote along with NPR’s UpFirst (daily). For music, I hit shuffle a few times while making dinner, but that’s it.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Tuesday - Potato Leek Soup

• Wednesday - Mongolian Beef

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

• Saturday - Green Chili and Pepper Jack Enchiladas

• Sunday - Kielbasa Skillet

On my to do list: So much to do, but the biggest thing today is packing our Academic Co-op bag for Thursday. In addition to my teaching materials for math and civics, I need to pack Arthur’s basic supplies and all of Quentin’s school stuff to keep him occupied. On Wednesday night, I’ll have to pack our lunch.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nat Geo Volcanoes event at the Holland

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Vala’s

• Thursday - Academic Co-op Starts

• Friday - Heron Haven Hike; Luminarium Visit

• Saturday - Arthur art class at The Joslyn

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I’m very slowly working on my Memory Planner for August and September. I should have time after brunch today to get back to it.

My simple pleasures: Rambling with a friend, having a plan, good books

Looking around the house: It’s a mess. I did put all the enrichment co-op supplies away for the winter which helped the random piles. But… I’ve still got to sort through the Academic Co-op piles and the random stuff next to my chair (mostly school related stuff).

From the camera: Another fun Junkstock with a friend.

Life Right Now #23

As I look outside my window: Bright and fairly warm. Our proper fall weather has warmed up again.

Right now I am: Sipping my fancy coffee, prepping to read a bit before making brunch.

Thinking and pondering: How can I compel other adults to actually adult? The eternal question.

On my bedside table: Lots of spooky reads sitting there, but also some fun romance. Not sure what I will be picking up next.

On my tv this week: J and I have continued our ridiculous Dropout game shows. We also finally started Dimension 20.

Listening to: I got back into some podcasts this week, binging If Books Could Kill and You’re Wrong About. Basically I spent my Saturday listening to Michael Hobbs.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Me out at book club

• Tuesday - BBQ Chicken

• Wednesday - Jerk Fish Chowder

• Thursday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Sunday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

On my to do list: So many things, but up first are the Academic Co-op tasks. I want to get everything set for our first meeting on October 10th.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Vala’s! Potentially book club

• Tuesday - Zoo Day; Meeting with a friend

• Wednesday - Vala’s!

• Thursday - Last Enrichment Co-op of 2024

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Arthur art class at Joslyn; Junkstock with a friend

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I did some work on my Memory Planner yesterday. I might be able to sneak up for awhile this morning…

My simple pleasures: I bought myself pumpkin pie sauce and have been making myself fancy coffees. Really loving the fall flavors without the $9 price tag.

Looking around the house: Things are decent. I’ll be excited to put away the big co-op supply bags after this Thursday. They take up a lot of real estate next to my chair. (I can’t leave them in the garage and it gets too hot in there.)

From the camera: Flower (weed?) along our hike on Friday.

Life Right Now #22

On my bedside table: All the spooky books! I have The Hacienda by Isabel Canas and Book of Night by Holly Black on the short stack.

On my tv this week: It’s been all funny shows all week.

Listening to: I caught up on a new-to-me podcast that J suggested, Conspiracy She Wrote. I really found the episodes about Beyonce and Meghan Thee Stallion to be fascinating.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chili and Cornbread

• Tuesday - Snack Dinner

• Wednesday - Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Thursday - Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese

• Friday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Saturday - Beef Stew

• Sunday - Caprese and Avocado Toast

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - First Vala’s Visit of the Season! Co-op Happy Hour

• Wednesday - First Joslyn Art Museum Visit since they reopened (after being closed for two years!)

• Thursday - Co-op

• Friday - Ditmar’s Apple Orchard Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Co-op Steering Committee Meeting; Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club meeting

What I am creating: Nothing much this week, although I really want to get back to my Memory Planner.

My simple pleasures: Cucumber Melon Sparkling Water, Fall Flavors

Looking around the house: Meh. It’s fine. I do need to pick up some things for Happy Hour on Tuesday.

From the camera: We had a hitchhiker on the way back from the OPPD Arboretum on Friday morning. I didn’t notice this little guy until halfway home. He made it all the way back to our house and eventually leapt off into our yard.

Life Right Now #21

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny. It’s looking to be a warmer day than yesterday. I yearn for fall over here…

Right now I am: Deciding what to focus on for the day. I have a to-do list a mile long, but need to just pick one or two things to focus on.

On my bedside table: All the spooky season reads! I’ve got some great ones lined up for this season. Here’s hoping that they are some winners.

On my tv this week: We’ve watched more Star Trek: Discovery and lots and lots of Breaking News, Game Changer, Um Actually, and Make Some Noise.

Listening to: I downloaded the new Linkin Park single. A different sound, but I’m digging it.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Chicken Tangine

• Friday - Sloppy Joes

• Saturday - Seafood Stew

• Sunday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

On my to do list: So much! I know that the laundry needs to be put away and I should wipe down the kitchen. Meal-planning and grocery list making are a must. I could work on my Memory Planner and/or WITL album. I need to switch the excess ink catcher cartridge on the printer. So many other things I am sure!

Happening this week:

• Monday - School Picture Day

• Tuesday - Luminarium

• Wednesday - Car Appointment

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Nature Hike

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Breakfast Club

What I am creating: Nothing much at the moment. Maybe I can dip into my Memory Planner this afternoon.

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze, spooky books

Looking around the house: Meh. I put out my fall (not Halloween, just fall) decor yesterday. Makes everything just a bit festive. I do need to clean off the breakfast room table as it’s become a catch-all this week. I also should bag the rest of the Goodwill bound toys and such.

From the camera: A very odd request from a co-op member…

Life Right Now #20

Right now I am: Heading out to the last academic co-op working meeting before we start in October. We still need to make a decision on location and some smaller items. Beyond that, every needs to submit their lesson plans by Labor Day. This meeting is all about getting those done.

On my bedside table: I don’t quite know. I have.a stack of library books that I need to decide on. Which ones do I really want to read? I might start with The Succubus’s Prize by Katee Robert. I’m also really looking forward to spooky reading season and trying to not jump the gun, but I really want to lean into the spooky.

On my tv this week: We’ve continued with Star Trek: Discovery as well as Game Changer, Breaking News, and Um Actually. I also managed to watch The Bachelorette and Below Deck in between all the activities.

Listening to: Just a huge music mix at the moment

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Out at book club

• Tuesday - Out at book club

• Wednesday - Loaded sweet potato nachos

• Thursday - Spring green spaghetti carbonara

• Friday - Out?

• Saturday - Mexican street corn totchos

• Sunday - Ginger glazed pork chops with Brussels sprout

On my to do list: I need to finish my Civics lesson plans for academic co-op. I also want to start planning my October rock, minerals, and fossils exploration day. I need to finish prepping discussion questions for Tuesday’s book club. And I need to work on enrichment co-op lesson plans for September.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Lewis and Clark Landing; Luminarium

• Wednesday - Pokemon Club

• Thursday - Co-op

• Friday - Hike at Schramm; Luminarium evening with J

• Saturday - Home

• Sunday - Home

What I am creating: Um…. I guess some to-do lists. Not feeling very creative right now.

My simple pleasures: Cooler weather (not happening this weekend but last weekdays), girls’ night on a friend’s deck, students engaged in the lesson being presented

Looking around the house: I put away all the pond exploration tools and supplies, but I still need to do a general sweep of the main floor. We have random things laying around that need to be put in their homes.

From the camera: Absolutely love this picture of the boys a friend snapped at pond exploration on Friday.

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: The sky is cloudy, but it’s still super humid. Not the best weather today.

Right now I am: Deciding on what to make for brunch today. We have eggs and bacon, but I haven’t chosen the baked good. Maybe some blueberry scones?

Thinking and pondering: Oh I do not feel ready for school to star ton Monday. I realize that we homeschool and technically I can start whenever, but I did have us scheduled for Monday. I think that we will still start on Monday, but I need to spend some time prepping today.

On my bedside table: Dark Restraint by Katee Robert; The Nice House on the Lake Vol. 2

On my tv this week: I’ve been traveling, so not a lot of television viewing. I did catch up with The Bachelorette and Below Deck. And we discovered that Plebs had a capstone movie special.

Listening to: After finishing an audiobook on the drive home, I got back into S10 of Revolutions. I will finish it at some point, hopefully soon.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

• Tuesday - Sesame Chicken

• Wednesday - Prosciutto Provolone Fig Grilled Cheese

• Thursday - Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp

• Friday - Leftover

• Saturday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

• Sunday - Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos

On my to do list: I need to finish putting away all the travel stuff. The laundry is half done, but needs to be sorted and put away. Beyond that, I have a kitchen to get sorted and curriculum to organize.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Arthur Dentist Appointment; First Day of School

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Splashed Party; Pokemon Club

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Fontenelle Forest Hike

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Pool Party

What I am creating: Mostly lists…

My simple pleasures: My own bed. Really it’s so nice to be home and sleeping in my own bed.

Looking around the house: Obviously things are very cluttered right away after arriving home on Friday. I need to do a big pickup.

From the camera: Checking out our 4th SR-71. This one was a training plane.

Life Right Now #18

Right now I am: Prepping for the Homeschool Seminar I’m hosting today. Lots of people are planning on coming (like 25), we’ll see who actually shows up.

Thinking and pondering: Do I have everything for my trip to Indiana? Packing lists are such a pain sometimes.

On my bedside table: The Six by Loren Grush; Beautiful Vengeance by Katee Robert; Gargantis by Thomas Taylor

On my tv this week: Not a whole lot. We did jump back into A Gentleman in Moscow (we’re almost done). We also finished S2 of The Big Door Prize, S1 of Twisted Metal, S4 of The Boys, and S2 of Hit Monkey.

Listening to: I dove back into Revolutions S10 with my new AirPods. I’m about 60% of the way through that season.

On the menu for this week: We will be having leftovers on Monday night… and then we will be traveling, so no definite plans.

On my to do list: I have some random things I want to get down before leaving on Tuesday. Mostly they are little tasks and general clean-up items.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Pool afternoon (last one of the season for us)

• Tuesday - Travel Day; Pickup Alex from the airport

• Wednesday - Drive to Fort Wayne

• Thursday - Chill Day

• Friday - Coffee with a friend; Pool afternoon

• Saturday - Coffee with a friend

• Sunday - Hanging out with Grandpa

What I am creating: I made a little travel kit for my Memory Planner and regular planner. I should be able to finish July’s pages while in Indiana. And work on August-September’s planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Conchitas, returning library books (that I’ve finished), time alone to just think

Looking around the house: Things are pretty picked up prior to our trip. I like coming home to a decently clean house.

From the camera: The boys experienced Sushi Train for the first time. They loved it!

Life Right Now #17

As I look outside my window: It’s a bit overcast this morning. Definitely rained last night. I would be fine with it as the temps are a bit cooler, but the humidity is a killer right now.

Right now I am: I’m not, but I should be making a meal plan and grocery list. Why does everyone have to constantly be eating?

On my bedside table: I have the rest of Katee Robert’s The O’Malley’s series on tap for my lighter reads. I also have The Six by Laura Grush on my nightstand.

On my tv this week: We finished S2 of Hit Monkey and S4 of The Boys. We also continued with A Gentleman in Moscow. Otherwise, it’s been a quiet week television-wise.

Listening to: I have continued with S10 of the Revolutions podcast. We finally got to World War I. only forty-some odd episodes to go.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Gone at book club

• Tuesday - Snack dinner

• Wednesday - Salsa Chicken

• Thursday - Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

• Friday - Chickpea Curry

• Saturday - Parmesan Tilapia

• Sunday - Honey Lime Chicken with Asparagus

On my to do list: I have a list of errands for the week (before our trip to Indiana), plus I have to teach on Thursday. I want to prep a good example of the project for the kids and troubleshoot any problem areas.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Pool Afternoon; Book Club

• Tuesday - Coffee and Park Playdate; Coop Happy Hour

• Wednesday - Pool Afternoon

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Kids’ Video Game Playdate

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Homeschool Seminar; Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club

What I am creating: I was working on my June MP pages and finished them yesterday. I think that I’m going to print July’s photos and make a little project case to take to Indiana with me…

My simple pleasures: A walk in the woods, checking to-dos off my list

Looking around the house: We need a serious pickup, sweep, and vacuum today. Added pressure as Tuesday is coop happy hour here. I am getting a little annoyed by all the random things laying around everywhere.

From the camera: Loving all the plants at Heron Haven this week.

Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: Very blue skies with no clouds. It’s going to be another scorching hot day.

Right now I am: Making a Target list. We leave for a mini road trip tomorrow and there’s always a few last minute things I need. Right now my list has beach towel, sleep mask, and iced coffee cup (mine got destroyed).

On my bedside table: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

On my tv this week: We mostly watched our currently airing shows (The Boys, Loot).

Listening to: I jumped back into S9 of the Revolutions podcast. We’re about halfway through the Mexican Revolutions, or should I say revolutions.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Gone

• Tuesday - Gone

• Wednesday - Gone

• Thursday - Crab Curry

• Friday - Tater Tot Casserole

• Saturday - Chickpea Curry

• Sunday - Sweet Potato Nachoes

On my to do list: I started to do another brain dump list. So many random projects that have multiple steps to complete! We’ll see how the list shapes out this week.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Des Moines Road Trip

• Tuesday - Waterloo Road Trip

• Wednesday - Waterloo Road Trip

• Thursday - Coop and Ice Cream Meetup

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much although I did fix my photos for my May and June memory planner. I don’t think I’ll have time to actually print and do anything with them this week.

My simple pleasures: AC, unshelving books that I will never read, reconnecting with friends

Looking around the house: I did a whirlwind clean yesterday so I could come home to a decently clean house. Feeling much better.

From the camera: Very steamy walk on Friday morning, but we did it!

Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: Clear and bright. Thankfully the temperatures have decreased slightly…

Right now I am: Deciding what to make for brunch. I think this is my weekly line.

Thinking and pondering: How do I efficiently pack the van? The retreat boxes number 8, plus all the cold groceries, my two personal bags, and various small bits. And then I need to fit in my three passengers’ stuff.

On my bedside table: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, Annie Bot by Sierra Greer - Except for the ebook (Annie Bot), I’m taking books from my Unread Shelf to the retreat.

On my tv this week: J and I have just been working through our currently airing shows - Welcome to Wrexham and Clarkson’s Farm.

Listening to: After finishing my audiobook last week, I switched back to podcasts. Specifically I listened to S8 of the Revolutions podcast focused on the Second French Republic. That was a short season with only eight episodes. I might just start S9 today…

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Spinach Potato Sausage Soup

• Tuesday - Fish from Freezer

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Sunday - Gone on retreat

On my to do list: All the little (and not so little) tasks to prep for leaving town on Thursday. I have a few little errands (dropping library books, grabbing my beverage from the store) and the big task of grocery shopping. Beyond the actual retreat tasks, I do have some random house things I want to take care of.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Swimming Lessons for kids; Pool afternoon with friends

• Tuesday - Swimming Lessons for kids

• Wednesday - Swimming Lessons for kids; Retreat grocery shopping

• Thursday - Swimming Lessons for kids; Coop; Leaving for Retreat!

What I am creating: Mostly still piles.

My simple pleasures: A quiet moment, a walk in nature, finishing a book

Looking around the house: Meh. The big pile will be gone on Thursday. Otherwise things are decent around here.

From the camera: Pretty bit of purple on our nature walk