Life Right Now #35

As I look outside my window: It’s so weird to be able to see through our backyard tree again. It makes the lights from houses so much brighter at nighttime.

Right now I am: Finishing this post so I can dive into my Sunday reading time. I’m really digging all the essays included in The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

On my bedside table: Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead and a ton of Holiday romances!

On my tv this week: We finished S1 of Foundation and I completely gutted at the end. Thank goodness they are making a second season. We also started Hit Monkey (very odd show) and Cowboy Bebop (I cannot contain my excitement about this one).

Listening to: Mostly hard rock mixes. Thank goodness Apple Music can create sound-alike playlists. I’ve been really digging the Black Veil Brides channel.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Tacos
Tuesday - BBQ Chicken
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Friends-giving!
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Maafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew)
Sunday - Fettuccini with Crab

On my to do list: I’ve got a big list of mostly small tasks to check out. I do want to get the Friends of the Coop Facebook group launched this week. I also need to organize my December planner pages, create a coop lesson for circuits (one week instead of the usual two), clean, and update a few spreadsheets (reading challenges, coop rotation, etc).

Happening this week:

Monday - Normal School Day; Grocery run
Tuesday - Normal School Day
Wednesday - Cleaning and project day
Thursday - Friends-giving!
Friday - Project day
Saturday - Home day
Sunday - Library run

What I am creating: I got our advent activity calendar sorted and make progress on wrapping our book advent. I’m hoping that Wednesday, Friday, and this weekend can be dedicated to cleaning the house and then working on Christmas cards. I would like to make about 50 this year, but I haven’t even gotten started. I did pull out my box of Christmas supplies to get started when I have a free hour or two.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate cake, snuggly blankets, to do lists

Looking around the house: Things are good, but there are some Christmas stuff piles going on right now. I need to find a place for my next project to live. Maybe a specific cabinet in the kitchen or a shelf on a bookcase? I would just like to avoid the random pile.

From the camera: I got out to Music Bingo on Wednesday and I actually won, twice! In December, we are doing Musicals Music Bingo night. I can’t wait!

Life Right Now #34

On my bedside table: Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren; The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachie

On my tv this week: We continued with the MCU by watching Spiderman: Far From Home. J and caught up on Foundation and watched the new James Bond movie, No Time to Die, and Red Notice.

Listening to: Random podcasts. I just was very scatter-brained this past week.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Parmesan Tilapia
Tuesday - Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Wednesday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Thursday - Pomegranate Chicken
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Sega Wat
Sunday - Maafe

On my to do list: I would like to work on some homeschool curriculum this week. I’ve also got many odds and ends to do for coop.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home School Day
Tuesday - Thinking about playing hooky from school and doing a park day
Wednesday - Schramm Hike; Music Bingo
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Home School Day
Saturday - ???
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: Mostly piles, although I might actually get to Christmas cards later today.

My simple pleasures: Cookies and Cream Twix (very exciting find at 5 and Below), hot tea in the evening. finishing a brick of a book

Looking around the house: I’m finally getting my craft/library room organized and cleaned up. Things are looking much better here.

From the camera: We had our first proper Dungeons and Dragons session and almost got wiped out by a killer broom.

Life Right Now #33

As I look outside my window: The backyard tree is at is most brilliant color of fall, a beautiful red-orange color. It’s my favorite stage of the tree. But it also means that the leaves will be dropping very soon…

Right now I am: Sitting next to a giant stack of dinosaur books. I need to buckle down and plan the next three weeks of homeschool lessons. I always feel better when I have a basic plan for the month ahead. Time to do November and get a jump on December.

Thinking and pondering: Christmas wish lists. I need to update the kids’ lists and get lists for my nephews and niece.

On my bedside table: Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas (for me), Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead (friend book club), Landline by Rainbow Rowell (big book club)

On my tv this week: We caught up with Foundation (so freaking good! even if you haven’t read the books) and have continued with the MCU. We are finishing End Game tonight.

Listening to: Mostly trying to catch up with my favorite podcasts. I did manage to listen to the entirety of the new Black Veil Brides and Asking Alexandria albums.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - German Potato Soup with Sausage
Tuesday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Wednesday - Teriyaki Chicken
Thursday - Chicken and Noodles
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Sushi and Miso Soup
Sunday - Parmesan Tilapia

On my to do list: I knocked a fair number of things off my to do list last week. I need to turn toward Christmas and bigger planning tasks.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home day
Tuesday - Fire station tour with coop
Wednesday - Kids get their first vaccine!!!!!
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Home day
Saturday -D&D night
Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Plans for Christmas. I really need to get on some things ASAP. I have not made one Christmas card so far this year and I need to make probably 50. I also need to decide on an advent plan for the year. And I need to start thinking about packing and plans for when we are in Indiana.

My simple pleasures: Pumpkin cookies - soaking in the last of fall before we turn to Christmas stuff

Looking around the house: Having coop here the last two weeks really made me step up my cleaning game. The house is in really good shape. Now to fix my disaster of an office. We had to buy a new printer (I killed our old one) and the new one did not fit in the space that I had made for it. So we bought a simple corner desk and put it there along with our big plotter cutter. But that meant that the homeschool bookshelf got pushed out the room. I need to put that back together and clear off the floor. Lots of work to do.

From the camera: We had a great visit to Morrill Hall on Friday with coop friends and really dove into the dinosaurs on display. We finally identified this specimen as a Coelophysis. They really hid that plaque.

Life Right Now #32

As I look outside my window: It’s raining… a very dreary and cold day ahead of us. Perfect for reading a good book with a hot cup of tea and a cozy blanket.

Right now I am: Getting ready to pick up that book before I have to do house cleaning tasks.

Thinking and pondering: How has my task list grown so much in the past month? Blergh.

On my bedside table: A Spindle Splintered by Alix Harrow; Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon

On my tv this week: We caught up on some of our currently airing shows (What We Do in the Shadows), finishing a few seasons (Lower Decks, Ted Lasso).

Listening to: I’m hoping to get to Dungeons and Daddies today. I got distracted this week with the return of The Bachelorette.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Shrimp Burrito Bowls
Tuesday - Out at Inner Rail
Wednesday - Out at Spin Pizza
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
Friday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Saturday - Parmesan Tilpaia
Sunday - Zimbabwe Peanut Stew

On my to do list: Oh so many things. But I really need to focus on some organizational tasks such as getting November and December’s lesson plans prepped and cleaning out my download folder. I also need to submit my hours and double check Alex’s financial aid package.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Schramm Field Trip; Bookworms Book Club
Wednesday - Home Day; Friend Book Club
Thursday - Coop about Dinosaurs
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - D&D (First Meeting!)
Sunday - Halloween!

What I am creating: Nothing. I really should get moving on Christmas cards…

My simple pleasures: Good parties with good friends. A clean living room. Finding good documentaries.

Looking around the house: Yesterday, I got the first floor cleaned up. It’s amazing how better I feel when there aren’t piles of things laying around. I feel so much better.

From the camera: Boo at the Zoo! It was nice to experience this again.

Life Right Now #31

On my bedside table: Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn; The Haunting of Drearcliff Grange School by Kim Newman

On my tv this week: We’ve kept at our spooky movie month theme. This past week we watched both versions of Brazil and a few making of featurettes. Such different movies!

Listening to: Nothing really. Not much time for music or podcasts this week.

On the menu for this week: I’m at the point of the year that I hate meal planning… But I’m going to attempt some meals this week.

Monday - Baked Potato Soup
Tuesday - Out for me (not sure what the kids and J will eat)
Wednesday - Tilapia and rice?
Thursday - Probably about before the zoo
Friday - Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes
Saturday - Halloween party cookout
Sunday - Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowls

On my to do list: The list is in shambles currently. I need to carve out about 30 minutes this afternoon to redo my list and get it organized…

Happening this week:

Monday - Home day
Tuesday - Last trip to Vala’s for the season; Trivia night for a friend’s birthday
Wednesday - Dentist for Q and then Home day
Thursday - Coop; Boo at the Zoo
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Coop Halloween Party
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing. I’m in a weird lull. I really should carve out some time to make some Christmas cards, but that would require cleaning my office. I should really do that this week.

My simple pleasures: Going to bed early, a nice hot cup of tea, wrapping up in a light but cozy sweater.

Looking around the house: I really need to get the boys to pick up their stuff. It has spread throughout the entirety of the downstairs and I’m a bit annoyed.

From the camera: Trying to capture a picture of the inside of this butterfly’s wings was very difficult. Almost 30 photos taken and this was the best one. I just love the irridescent purple on the inside. The outside is a very pretty brown pattern, but it’s the inside that stunned me.

Life Right Now #30

Right now I am: Relaxing after getting the kids put to bed.

On my bedside table: Malorie by Josh Malerman; Love Lettering by Kate Claybourne

On my tv this week: We’re deep into spooky movie month, so mostly movies this week.

Listening to: Mostly catching up on podcasts. Although I did make sure to listen to music while running around doing errands.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Pork and Green Chile Stew
Tuesday - Vegetable Beef Stew
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Swahili Fish with Rice
Friday - Baked Potato Soup
Saturday - Spicy Thai Noodles
Sunday - Parmesan Tilapia

On my to do list: Well, I did have flu shots on my list, but I just scheduled those for Wednesday afternoon. Guess I can cross that off my list. I do need to do some coop management tasks, submit my work hours, and deal with the meal plan. I should also take a look at my big list and maybe pick a small project to complete this week. Possibly dealing with the health insurance and appointments.

Happening this week:

Monday - Normal day
Tuesday - Arbor Day Farm field trip
Wednesday - Normal morning; flu shots
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Durham Museum field trip
Saturday - Normal day
Sunday - Normal day

What I am creating: A giant dinosaur unit for homeschooling. This will be our science unit for the rest of October and most of November. We’re really diving deep!

My simple pleasures: A night alone without any interruptions. It happens so rarely, I have to take advantage of the time. Last night, J went to see a movie with a friend. I ended up watching a movie that I knew he didn’t care about and then read a ton of book. All in peace and quiet. It was glorious.

Looking around the house: Meh. Things are here…

From the camera: View of my reading nook. A bit messy right now, but I love the light!

Life Right Now #29

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny with a decent breeze. I had a lovely morning read before it got too warm in the sun.

Right now I am: Making a grocery list. I really hate the part of returning from vacation and you realize that no one is going to make you food or acquire food or even tell you what there is to eat (because there’s nothing in the fridge at all). Guess I need to get working on that.

Thinking and pondering: Where should we go next year on our family road trip? And when? I’m thinking early May at least (fall is so busy around our house). Maybe west-ish?

On my bedside table: Foundation’s Edge by Isaac Asimov (the penultimate book in the big Foundation series) and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

On my tv this week: Nothing as we were away on our family road trip. I am hoping to catch up on Bachelor in Paradise this afternoon or tomorrow.

Listening to: We spent the road trip listening to an audio book and almost all of the second in the series. The kids really enjoyed it and I loved not listening to a movie they wanted to watch.

On the menu for this week: Crap. My family expects at least two meals a day…

Monday - General Tso’s chicken with rice, edamame, and egg rolls
Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken sandwiches and fries
Wednesday - ???
Thursday - ???
Friday - ???
Saturday - ???
Sunday - ???

On my to do list: I have almost put the house back together after our trip. Now I need to check out my big to-do list and get it updated. I know that one of my next big things it sorting out Aetna and CHI to get well-check visits for the boys scheduled. I also want to get flu shots taken care of soon.

Happening this week:

Monday - Picking up our glasses, Board Games playdate, groceries?
Tuesday - Field Trip to the pedestrian bridge across the Missouri River
Wednesday - Normal home day
Thursday - Coop Day
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Home day
Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Working on a few small craft items fro the bookish retreat. I hope to finish at least one or those by Thursday.

My simple pleasures: Quiet on the back deck, my own bed (seriously hate hotel mattresses), clean laundry

Looking around the house: The kitchen is a bit of a mess after unloading the uneaten snacks, but everything else looks good.

From the camera: We love looking at fossils. We took a detour, but finally made it to Ashfall Fossil Beds to look at. the ancient rhinos in the volcanic ash. Very cool!

Life Right Now #28

As I look outside my window: The birds are very excited this morning. Lots of singing and fighting.

Right now I am: Doing the last load of laundry so I can pack my clothes for the road trip.

Thinking and pondering: What am I forgetting to take on the road trip There’s always something. I’m hoping that whatever I forget is easy to replace.

On my bedside table: The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren and Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay - two rereads for book club and a buddy read

On my tv this week: We finished S4 of AP Bio (love that show) and caught up with Rock and Morty, Lower Decks, and Archer.

Listening to: I’m been listening to the random favorites playlist on Apple Music this past week.

On the menu for this week: We’re heading out on our road trip, so no meal plan this week.

On my to do list: I need to make a few phones calls during the road trip. I hope I can sort out the health insurance and the issues with the school district’s food service department.

Happening this week: Road trip!

What I am creating: Nothing special. Although I do have a few lists for the bookish retreat started. I need to work on the book recommendations during the road trip.

My simple pleasures: A good historical romance, a cold shower, good conversations with new friends

Looking around the house: I am hoping to finish cleaning part of the house today so we can return to a clean house net week.

From the camera: Two happy kids running on an empty soccer field.

Life Right Now #27

As I look outside my window: It’s very nice outside. A bright and sunny, but not hot morning.

Right now I am: Prepping brunch. We’re having homemade waffles today with bananas and raspberries.

Thinking and pondering: I wonder how many lists I am going to make this week? Seriously I have so many things just rattling around in my brain right now.

On my bedside table: Rest of Asimov’s Foundation series; The Governess Game by Tessa Dare; A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers (my first Chambers!)

On my tv this week: We’ve been in a lot of sitcom land this past week.

Listening to: Nothing that exciting this week. I just didn’t have much time for myself.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Sesame Chicken
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Orecchiette with Broccoli, Sausage, and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Thursday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
Friday - Maple Bourbon Chicken
Saturday - Spaghetti
Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: Prepping for our road trip! We leave in a little more than a week and I have some things to do before then. We need to pack, obviously, and I need to get snacks for the road. Plus, I need to get the house in order for us to leave. Library books need to be paused. Trash needs to be disposed of. Laundry needs to be done.

Happening this week:

Monday - Nothing thankfully
Tuesday - Quentin Dentist Appointment; Board Game Afternoon; Doctor Who Trivia night
Wednesday - Farm Field Trip with Coop
Thursday - Coop; Groceries
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Besides making piles and lists for our road trip, I’m trying to decide on a few little crafty things for the retreat. I have basically two weeks to work on them… I need to review my options and decide which ones I really like and which ones are feasible in my time constraints.

My simple pleasures: Finishing another Asimov book! Only four more to go (and about 20 days to do it before the tv show drops). Peopling with new friends (and not just random strangers). The boys and I are all loving making new friends through the coop.

Looking around the house: Better than last week, although I shattered our salt shaker last night prepping dinner. We swept, but I should probably do it again this morning and then wet swiffer to catch any stray pieces (and the rest of the crumbs and dirt).

From the camera: Book club out on the patio of the food court was the best this week! Great book talk and amazing food.

Life Right Now #26

As I look outside my window:

Right now I am:

Thinking and pondering:

On my bedside table: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo; A Woman of Intelligence by Karin Tanabe

On my tv this week: Nothing super exciting, just the usual current shows and ongoing shows (Hustle, Star Trek: Voyager).

Listening to: I’m finally catching up on my back episodes of Dungeons and Daddies. Plus I’m trying to keep up with my usual podcasts.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Blackberry Bacon Grilled Cheese
Tuesday - Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Wednesday - Blackened Salmon
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Peanut Sauce Chicken with Broccoli Rice Bowls
Saturday - Mosterdseop
Sunday - Pesto Stuffed Shells

On my to do list: I need to make a few appointments. I imagine that I need to make a bit more progress on my big projects (Road trip and Bookish retreat). I also need to update my big brain dump list.

Happening this week:

Monday - Grocery Day
Tuesday - Field Trip to Fontenelle Forest
Wednesday - Dentist for Me
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Home day
Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I hope that I can finish one or two bookish retreat crafts this week. No peeks, but I have some good ideas.

My simple pleasures: Alton Brown’s Blueberry Muffins (so friggin’ good), space adventures, cooler temperatures

Looking around the house: Blergh. My laundry room is out of control. Guess what I’m doing today…

From the camera: Yummy ice cream after book club. I got a scoop of lavender lemon and a scoop of mango raspberry habanero. So good!

Life Right Now #25

On my bedside table: Foundation by Isaac Asimov, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

On my tv this week: We’ve continued our watching of Star Trek: Voyager and Hustle along with starting the new season of Lower Decks. As for our movie nights, we got to Ant Man. I love that movie so much.

Listening to: The usual podcast. I haven’t listened to anything that new lately.

On the menu for this week: Umm… I have some chicken in the fridge. Other than chicken ranch tacos, I have no idea what we are going to make this week. Maybe we should do brats on the grill again or maybe some salmon.

On my to do list: I need to do a bit of cleanup of my big brain dump. From there, I have some small retreat projects and coop projects to prep.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home day
Tuesday - Big day full of a field trip, board game playdate, and trivia night.
Wednesday - Errands probably
Thursday - Coop day, Book club evening
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Home day
Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I’m working on coop lessons for our birds theme. I have so many ideas, but I really need to pare it down.

My simple pleasures: Smores, good science documentaries

Looking around the house: I probably need to focus on some housework this week. I need to vacuum and do some deep cleaning of the kitchen.

From the camera: We finally visited stingray bay. The boys absolutely loved touching the stingrays.

Life Right Now #24

As I look outside my window: The storm from last night has moved on (leaving parts of downtown flooded, but clear in my part of the city) but left some clouds and the humidity. It’s still supposed to get in the high 90s. Not a fan.

Right now I am: making (not from scratch, thanks Trader Joe’s) chocolate croissants and quiche (thanks Imperfect Produce) for brunch.

On my bedside table: I’m slowly but steadily reading Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain and Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items by J.W. Ocker. In addition, I have more of Asimov’s Foundation series on tap to dive into.

On my tv this week: In addition to a few movies (Jolt - terrible; The Suicide Squad - stupid but pretty fun), we have been watching two music documentary series: American Epic (origins of American music) and Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson (various aspects of modern music). Both have been really really good! We’ve also been watching S2 of Ted Lasso and Schmigadoon.

Listening to: I’ve fallen behind on many podcasts that I love. I’m going to take some time today to catch up on a few while doing other tasks.

On the menu for this week: My meal plan is a giant mess right now. I guess that will be my task this morning. I do want to do a pantry and freezer inventory/cleanout to get things back into shipshape. Maybe I will tackle that this morning and then make the meal plan using ingredients I’ve cataloged…

On my to do list: I need to make some appointments for everyone (eye and well-check) as well do a check-in with the twins. I’ve got my various projects (retreat, coop, road trip) to continue working on in between. And I really want to organize a bit in my library/craft room.

Happening this week: Trying for a slightly lighter week

Monday - Grocery day
Tuesday - Field trip to OPPD Arboretum for nature exploration
Wednesday - Home day
Thursday - Coop Day!
Friday - Possible Park Morning
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Mostly just lesson plans and coop plans. I really want to made some kind of book retreat craft this week, but we’ll see how busy I get.

My simple pleasures: Listening to the rain. New friends. Securing our lodgings for the retreat.

Looking around the house: Meh. It is what it is right now. I should probably vacuum today, but it might get put off until Tuesday.

From the camera: I made pudding cups for a first week of school treat.

Life Right Now #23

As I look outside my window: It’s very overcast and humid today. Still going to be hot, but right now it’s kind of nice outside.

Right now I am: Heading out to read my book on the deck.

On my bedside table: Dating-ish by Penny Reid; lots of Isaac Asimov

On my tv this week: Continuing with Hustle and Voyager and the Marvel movies with the kids (we just watched Guardians of the Galaxy).

Listening to: Nothing that exciting

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos
Tuesday - Fish of some kind
Wednesday - Vietnamese Crab and Asparagus Soup
Thursday - Jamaican Prawn and Sweet Potato Curry
Friday - Fiesta Chicken
Saturday - Fish and Chips
Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: So many things probably. I’m almost finishing with road trip planning and getting close to finish August’s lesson plans for homeschooling. I should definitely update my brain dump list.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home day
Tuesday - Lincoln Adventure Day: Zoo and Ice Cream!
Wednesday - Errand Day; Music Bingo Night
Thursday - Park Playdate and Splashpad
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Bookworms Book Club
Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Mostly lesson plans. I really hope that the fall season allows more time for my personal crafting. But for right now, I’m just working on curriculum for the next homeschool year.

My simple pleasures: A good cup of coffee and listening to nature sounds on the back deck.

Looking around the house: Decent, but I should really make one day a chores day to maintain things around here.

From the camera: Loving my Sunday morning ritual of coffee and a book on the back deck.

Life Right Now #22

As I look outside my window: The rain from yesterday has cleared up. It’s not super hot right now, but very clear and bright.

Right now I am: Making my coffee to go sit on the deck and read a book.

On my bedside table: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 3; Beauty and the Mustache by Penny Reid

On my tv this week: We finished S1 of Loki and I’m so incredibly sad that it’s over. I need more Loki in my life. We also continued with our usual shows and started Schmigadoon.

Listening to: My usual politics podcasts. Nothing that exciting really.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Honey and Line Jalapeno Chicken
Tuesday - Green Chile Enchilada Soup
Wednesday - Baked Cod with Fennel and Lemon
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Crab and Asparagus Soup
Saturday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos
Sunday - Prawn and Sweet Potato Jamaican Curry

On my to do list: Mostly a lot of prep work for August. We have so many things happening this fall. I need to get a jump on a lot of them.

Happening this week:

Monday - Mahoney State Park Visit
Tuesday - Lincoln Adventure Day
Wednesday - Grocery and Library
Thursday - Park Playdate
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: So many piles! Working on our first couple of weeks of school and making lesson plans.

My simple pleasures: Mid-afternoon rain storms, putt putt fun, ice cream

Looking around the house: Better than it was yesterday. We cleaned the playroom and it made me feel so much better!

From the camera: The boys got new Dog Man books and immediately sat down and started reading. Love it!

Life Right Now #21

As I look outside my window: The storms have cleared up leaving much cooler temperatures. Perfect for sitting on the deck.

Right now I am: Outside reading my book. I’m deep into People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry and I love it! I might just finish it this morning.

Thinking and pondering: Why are people so hesitant to commit to little things? I am really getting annoyed by the wishy-washy comments from people in regards to my homeschool coop. Seriously, just join or don’t. Stop telling me that you are “unsure” of your plans for August.

On my bedside table: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 3; Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells

On my tv this week: We’ve watched a few movies this week (The Tomorrow War; Black Widow; Inside) and continued with Star Trek: Voyager and Hustle.

Listening to: The usual podcasts. Nothing new or special.

On the menu for this week: Oh goodness. I have no idea what we’re having for dinner this week. Guess I know what my big task is today.

On my to do list: First thing I need to do is update my big to-do list. Beyond that, I’m sure I should work on the road trip planning, reading retreat planning, and homeschool lesson plans.

Happening this week:

Monday - Grocery trip
Tuesday - Lake Beach Visit; Disney Villain Trivia
Wednesday - Park Playdate
Thursday - Home Day
Friday - Pirate Putt; Lunch Out; Ice Cream
Saturday - Normal Day
Sunday - Normal Day

What I am creating: Math in Nature lesson plans for our STEAM coop in August.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate Chip Cookies, gentle rain at night (not the high winds thunderstorm we had), watching the bunnies in our yard

From the camera: Pizza and beer outside for book club this week…

Life Right Now #20

On my bedside table: So many good books! Definitely too many choices right now… Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir; Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid; People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry; Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells

On my tv this week: We caught up with episodes 2 and 3 of Loki (so incredibly good!). Plus we introduce the boys to Captain America for movie night. Keeping it in the Marvel family this week.

Listening to: Mostly my usual podcasts. Nothing super new or exciting.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Fish
Tuesday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Thai Red Curry Soup
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Fish n Chips; Crab Rangoon
Sunday - BBQ Ribs/Ring of Fire Chicken

On my to do list: So much…

Happening this week:

Monday - Zoo Day! Taking advantage of it not being 100 degrees this week.
Tuesday - Book Club!
Wednesday - Park Playdate
Thursday - Home day
Friday - Possible state park day
Saturday - Home day
Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Time blocks for July and August. I have so many big projects coming up and really need to organize my time to accomplish all the planning. I hope I have a good routine set up.

My simple pleasures: Air conditioning, good books, ice water

Looking around the house: I put away the kids’ clothes! Hooray!

From the camera: Loving my Sunday morning ritual of coffee and a book on the back deck.

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: It’s lovely and bright outside. I’m actually watching our backyard neighbor work on building a swing set for his kids.

Right now I am: Finishing my cup of coffee before I have to go get brunch started.

On my bedside table: The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon; Swamplandia by Karen Russell

On my tv this week: J and I finished the one and only season of Running Wilde with Will Arnett and Keri Russell. He had seen it back when I aired, I never did. It was a nice light show in between more serious things. Plus, Loki started and I am so incredibly in!

Listening to: Mostly politics related podcasts. I’ve been really enjoying What a Day from Crooked Media. It’s a nice little daily news roundup.

On the menu for this week: Umm…. I have a ton of possibilities, but am still formulating a plan. Possibly we will be eating -

Monday - Broccoli beef with rice
Tuesday - Red Curry Noodle Soup
Wednesday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Thursday - Balsamic Pork Roast
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Chili Verde
Sunday - Baked Cod with Fennel and Lemon

On my to do list: I need to update my big to do list. I knocked off a ton in preparation for book swap. I need to do a brain dump today and get it all down…

Happening this week:

Monday - Normal school day
Tuesday - Park Playdate; Trivia night (My team won last week and had so much fun, we’re doing it again. This week’s theme is Disney Princesses.)
Wednesday - Grocery and library?
Thursday - Zoo or State Park Day (haven’t picked yet)
Friday - Normal school day
Saturday - The usual
Sunday - The usual

What I am creating: Future plans. I really want to get back to crafting, but for now, I’m just making plans for all our fall events (book retreat, family road trip, 2nd year of homeschooling, and potentially a kid birthday party).

My simple pleasures: Good conversation with friends, sitting on my back deck in my new patio furniture with a cup of coffee and a book, not 90 degree days…

Looking around the house: Because of the book swap yesterday, my downstairs is looking really good! I went on a cleaning binge and it was well worth it! Today I need to tackle the clean clothes in various bins upstairs and do a general sweep up of random things.

From the camera: My book club finally had our Christmas 2020 book swap get-together yesterday. I hosted and we had lovely conversation, yummy food, and great books! Can you guess what one of our upcoming book club reads is? Trick question: there are two on the table. For July we are reading Malibu Rising (which I won!) and for November we are reading Code Name Helene! June’s selection is The House in the Cerulean Sea, so a friend gifted TJ Klune’s earlier book. I gifted Let’s Pretend This Never Happened because I just finished Jenny Lawson’s newest book (Broken) and had to share my love for her. (J made a strawberry pie and a strawberry-rhubarb pie to go with our meeting)

Life Right Now #18

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny with a lovely breeze. The temps are supposed to top 90 today, but this morning it is lovely.

Right now I am: just coming back inside after enjoying a book and an iced coffee sitting in my new patio furniture on the back deck! It’s so nice to actually sit out there more now.

Thinking and pondering: about ways to make my life easier… blocking, grouping, planning ahead.

On my bedside table: The Whispering House by Elizabeth Brooks, The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

On my tv this week: We’re progressed with our watching of Hustle and Star Trek: Voyager. We might be done with at least Hustle by end of June.

Listening to: Nothing much really. I haven’t spent much time listening to podcasts this past week. I did catch up with Currently Reading and my politics podcasts this weekend.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
Tuesday - Ginger Glazed Pork Chops and Brussels Sprouts
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Chicken Parmesan
Friday - Broccoli Beef
Saturday - Brinner
Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: My immediate tasks are to print curriculum, do laundry, put away laundry, and pop into the library (holds and prize bundle we won). From there, I need to do a big task list brain dump for the rest of June.

Happening this week:

Monday - Strawberry Picking
Tuesday - Trivia Night
Wednesday - Park Playdate
Thursday - Normal Day
Friday - Cleaning and Errands
Saturday - Book Swap!
Sunday - Normal Day

What I am creating: Mostly just lesson plans. I am also working on plans for the retreat, the coop, and road trip.

My simple pleasures: Hot weather cocktails, being cool, watching the breeze through the trees

Looking around the house: I spent a ton of time doing other tasks yesterday and didn’t get around to my cleaning tasks. Guess what I get to do today? Plus I really want to switch out the clothes and organize the shoes. I would love to have a clear foyer.

From the camera: I got to go to book club… in a restaurant!

Life Right Now #17

As I look outside my window: The clouds seem to have moved out for the day. Maybe we’ll get some good sunshine. My plants need it!

Right now I am: Being very lazy. I can’t seem to muster much motivation today…

Thinking and pondering: About how much vacation planning I should do now. I love a good project, but the vacation itself is still up in the air due to COVID. It wouldn’t be until late fall (September), but I do love to be prepared just in case.

On my bedside table: The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn; The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn - Getting ready to jump back into Regency romance.

On my tv this week: More Star Trek Voyager and more Hustle. We keep bouncing back and forth between the two.

Listening to: Nothing really

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Tater Tot Casserole
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Kale and White Bean Soup
Thursday - Avocado Bruschetta Chicken
Friday - Brinner (Sausage Crescent Rolls and Eggs)
Saturday - Steak on grill
Sunday - Chicken Corden Bleu Dip

On my to do list: Top of my list is to finish fixing the laundry room and put away all the clothes. Beyond that, I guess I should consult my giant brain dump list.

Happening this week: A bit of a lighter week, but still some activities.

Monday - Dentist appointment for me
Tuesday - Possible zoo day; Nebraska Outdoor webinar; Girly Book Club (zoom)
Wednesday - Playdate at Chalco
Thursday - ?
Friday - ?
Saturday - ?
Sunday - ?

What I am creating: I finally finished by December Daily 2020 album. I’m hoping to work on my 2021 Memory Planner this week. Need to start with January…

My simple pleasures: Getting lost in a book, finding hidden gems while road trip planning

Looking around the house: My craft room is just about cleaned and set. J hung some pictures for me (I’m so bad at getting things level and straight). I finally got rid of the giant pile on the floor. Now I just need to remove the recycling and trash pile and find a spot for my Christmas craft supplies and Project Life stack.

From the camera: Choosing my Top 15 picks from the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide. I already have Broken on my nightstand, so I guess I’ll start there.

Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: It’s drizzly and cooler than yesterday. Thinking I should open the windows and get some cool air circulating.

Right now I am: Prepping a smoothie for J who’s going to a sale thing with a friend today.

Thinking and pondering: How much cleaning do I want to do today? It might just be a lazy day…

On my bedside table: The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary; Cursed

On my tv this week: We’ve been alternating between Star Trek: Voyager and Hustle with a splash of MythicQuest.

Listening to: Not much of anything this week. Where has the week gone?

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chorba Frik
Tuesday - Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, Broccoli, and Bacon
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Texas Cheese Fries
Friday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos
Saturday - Baked Potato Soup
Sunday - Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

On my to do list: The one thing on my list today that I really want to get through is to finish putting away the laundry room.

Happening this week: A very light week comparatively…

Monday - Normal day
Tuesday - Park Playdate in Council Bluffs
Wednesday - Grocery and library
LoThursday - Park Playdate
Friday - Normal day
Saturday - Normal day
Sunday - Normal day

What I am creating: Possibly my December Daily 2020 album if I find some time this afternoon.

My simple pleasures: A nice cozy blanket, strawberry smoothies, neat and orderly piles.

Looking around the house: I was a cleaning machine yesterday and got so much done. I’m much less twitchy now when looking around the house. I still need to finish the laundry room and put away the shoes, but the rest of the first floor is looking very nice.

From the camera: Love to see him reading independently!