Life Right Now #17

As I look outside my window: It’s oddly overcast but very hot today. Not fun at all.

Right now I am: Taking a break after running some errands and cleaning.

On my bedside table: Book Lovers by Emily Henry: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

On my tv this week: Not much. We haven’t down much TV this past week. We did start Hawkeye with the kids, but I haven’t watched much at all.

Listening to: Giant mixes for the win! I’m been just setting my Apple Music to shuffle a lot lately. Plus I’m loving the new Harry Styles album and My Chemical Romance single.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Blackened Salmon

• Tuesday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos

• Wednesday - Crab and Asparagus Soup

• Thursday - Salsa Chicken

• Friday - Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bowls

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Ring of Fire Chicken

On my to do list: I’ve got a list of random tasks to accomplish this next week, and a lot of it is organizational tasks. Plus I need to work on the retreat and my Indiana trip. Lots of organization and planning.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nothing

• Tuesday - Park and splash pad day

• Wednesday - Nature hike maybe

• Thursday - Lit Society

• Friday - Underwater Party at the Library

• Saturday - Home day

• Sunday - Coop Book Club

What I am creating: I want to take some time and work on the retreat name tags this week. I’m itching to get back to some of my crafts. I also want to work on my April and May Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Iced coffee, park time with friends, being home after a trip

Looking around the house: J and I have been doing various cleaning and organization projects and I’ve seen a ton of improvement. Surfaces are being cleared off and cleaned. I love it! I did a power clean of the master bathroom this morning and it’s looking so good. I completely cleared off the counter and redid the closet.

From the camera: Quentin and a friend during our Sonic date.

Life Right Now #16

On my bedside table: The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan; The Minor Third by Neil Patrick Harris

On my tv this week: J and I ended up watching a great new movie, Operation Mincemeat, and started S2 of The Great.

Listening to: My Chemical Romance just dropped a new album! You better believe it’s on repeat!

On the menu for this week: We are leaving for our mini road trip on Wednesday which means that I don’t need to meal plan this week! Tomorrow we will b having any leftovers and Tuesday we are grabbing takeout before going to the trivia night.

On my to do list: I need to grab some snacks and other assorted items from Target and Trader Joe’s. We need to do a drop of the library books. And I should do a bit more curriculum sorting before we leave.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day

• Tuesday - Last minute trip errands; Trivia night with the family

• Wednesday - Road trip time!

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment, although I’m think about retreat goodies.

My simple pleasures: Fun trivia games, getting a handle on curriculum plans, ice water

Looking around the house: I’ll be doing a whirlwind clean tomorrow and Tuesday to prep to leave. I always prefer coming home to a decently clean house.

From the camera: I didn’t win any round, but still I had fun at 90s Music Bingo on Tuesday. I even read a few chapters waiting for people to arrive.

Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: Storms rolled through last night and the remnants are hanging around today. It’s very overcast and wet out there. Guess J’s plan of working on the yard is not going to happen today.

On my bedside table: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel; The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

On my tv this week: Not a whole lot. We watched the season (series?) finale of Moon Knight and started the next season of Holes Moley. Last night we finally watched Rocketman.

Listening to: Mostly just my favorite playlist and the usual podcasts. I am going to dive into a contemporary romance audio novella in a few minutes.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Orecchiette with sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon

• Tuesday - BBQ Chicken, Apple, Bacon, Cheddar Quesadillas

• Wednesday - Mongolian Beef

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - ???

• Saturday - Texas Cheese Fries

• Sunday - Chicken and Dumplings

On my to do list: Beyond the house chores, I need to prep our house for the curriculum share and swap on Tuesday. That means I need to get the living room and breakfast rooms picked up and set up the folding table to hold curriculum.

Happening this week: It’s going to be very hot this week! Hopefully we can stay cool.

• Monday - Zoo Day

• Tuesday - Curriculum Share and Swap

• Wednesday - Dentist Appointment; 90s Music Bingo

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Park Playdate

• Saturday - D&D

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Mostly plans for the coming months. I spent a chunk yesterday writing posts for the proposed coop changes and plans. Today I need to work on curriculum plans and retreat plans. So many plans!

My simple pleasures: Listening to the rain, a cleaned out van, a fun romp of a book

Looking around the house: Today is vacuum, kitchen, and laundry day! Oh what fun…

From the camera: Fun art from our visit to the Nebraska History Museum

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: Clear and bright out there but pretty chilly today (high of 50 degrees) and very very windy. Seriously, I would love it if the wind slowed down a bit. We even gotten a few roof shingles from the neighbor blown into our yard. So windy!

Right now I am: Enjoying a donut. I bought a few yesterday and we drilled it into the kids’ heads that they could have only one this morning. They actually listened so I get my donut.

On my bedside table: Anatomy by Dana Schwartz; A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

On my tv this week: J and I rewatched Loki S1 with the kids. They loved it of course. He and I then finished S1 of The Righteous Gemstones and Slow Horses.

Listening to: I’ve been doing a huge shuffle of the music on my Apple Music account. Very random and I love it.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Swahili Fish Stew

• Friday - Orecchiette with Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Saturday - Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodles

• Sunday - Spicy Stuffed Black Bean Sweet Potatoes

On my to do list: Hmmm… I’m at a bit of a loss. I’ll need to check my big to-do list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Standing Bear Lake Hike

• Tuesday - Giraffe’s Can’t Dance @ The Rose Theatre;; Bookworms Book Club

• Wednesday - Joslyn Art Museum; Friend Book Club

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - D&D

• Sunday - Currently Reading Zoom for Poetry Month

What I am creating: Nothing right this second, but I might work on my April Memory Planner pages later today.

My simple pleasures: Hot chocolate, warmer temperatures, an engrossing book

Looking around the house: Picking up and vacuuming the first floor yesterday has made me feel so much better. Today I need to work on the kitchen and breakfast area.

From the camera: We had a lovely week taking care of two baby chicks. We named them Sunshine and Shadow. We’re definitely doing this again next year.

Life Right Now #13

As I look outside my window: Um… it’s currently snowing on Easter in the middle of April. This weather is terrible. It was 90 degrees when we dropped J at the airport on Tuesday, but then dropped and has been hovering between 30 and 50 degrees since then. I do not like.

Right now I am: Ready to start dying some eggs and decorating cookies!

On my bedside table: The Pool of Fire by John Christopher; The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris; Beautiful by Christina Lauren

On my tv this week: While J was gone, I finished Shadow and Bone S1 and Starstruck S1. I also started Minx S1 (my new favorite show) and started a rewatch of the original Are You Afraid of the Dark episodes.

Listening to: Mostly the usual podcasts. Nothing exciting this week at all.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - BBQ Pork Sandwiches

• Tuesday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

• Thursday - Bangkok Curry Noodles

• Friday - Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Orecchiette with Sausage, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Lemon

On my to do list: I finished my primary ballot but need to go drop it at the Election Commission this week. I also need to go inside Costco and cancel my membership (it’s a waste of money for us really). I also need to finish planning our Kansas trip and officially secure the retreat lodgings.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Dentist appointment (permanent crown!)

• Tuesday - Errands Day (grocery, pet store for crickets, library run)

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Earth Day Party with Coop Friends

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment. I finished my March Memory Planner pages and have yet to start on April’s pages.

My simple pleasures: Laughing until I cry (seriously, who says “squabbing the deck”? All I can picture is someone scrubbing the deck with a defrosted plucked chicken. Too funny.

Looking around the house: Easter has exploded in the living room. Need to clean this up later… And the boys really need to finish cleaning their play room.

From the camera: We rented chicks for the week from a local farm. Shadow and Sunshine have been delightful so far! We are keeping track of their weight, giving them toys, and tempting them with different treats. Strawberries were not a hit, but popcorn and hard boiled eggs were.

Life Right Now #12

As I look outside my window: Finally! We have gotten to proper spring temperatures. It’s currently about 55 degrees.

Right now I am: Prepping to run some errands. I completely spaced Easter, so guess I need to go to Target or something and grab some supplies.

On my bedside table: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel; Beautiful Boss and Beautiful by Christina Lauren; Girly Drinks by Mallory O’Meara

On my tv this week: We completely finished Hustle, all 8 seasons, Once Upon a Time… Happily Never After, and S1 of Severance (that ending!). Guess it’s time to circle back to Star Trek and some other random shows.

Listening to: Nothing too exciting although I went on a weird side track and downloaded all the Jimmy Eat albums that I didn’t have on my phone.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Fish Chowder

• Tuesday - Take out

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Breakfast for Dinner

• Friday - Pizza

• Saturday - Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

• Sunday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

On my to do list: I desperately need to put away all the clothes today. Beyond that, I probably should update all my ongoing projects (Kansas trip, retreat, Indiana trip) and do some coop planning.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Park Playdate

• Tuesday - Regular school day; Take J to airport

• Wednesday - Home day

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Lauritzen Garden Field Trip; Lit Society

• Saturday - Pick up our Rental Chicks!

• Sunday - Easter

What I am creating: Mostly just working on trip plans. I do want to spend an hour today working on my March Memory Planner, but that’s it.

My simple pleasures: Mild temperatures; movie out with friends

Looking around the house: Having coop here last week made sure that I picked things up. Now to maintain…

From the camera: Pony rides at the farm!

Life Right Now #11

On my bedside table: Tripod Trilogy by John Christopher; rest of the Beautiful series by Christina Lauren

On my tv this week: Continuing with Severance S1 with J. I binged Bridgerton S2.

Listening to: All the usual podcasts, including the new on PBS Eons: Mysteries of Deep Time

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Salmon (of some kind)

• Tuesday - Potato Leek Soup

• Wednesday - Apricot, Brie, and Bacon Grilled Cheese

• Thursday - Beef Tips

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Fish Chowder

• Sunday - Black Bean Soup; Chicken Ranch Tacos

On my to do list: I imagine that I have a few things, but mostly I need to work on coop matters.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Big dentist appointment for me

• Tuesday - Fontenelle Forest Backpack Hike

• Wednesday - Regular School Day

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Regular School Day

• Saturday - Gifford Farm Easter egg hunt

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much at the moment, but I do plan on working on my March Memory Planner pages this week.

My simple pleasures: Good book discussions; D&D fun; good mysteries

Looking around the house: We’re having coop at our house again this coming week. I should do a good cleaning sweep beforehand. The boys especially need to clean their playroom.

From the camera: D&D got a little strange this week.

Life Right Now #10

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny, but pretty chilly today. The high is around 43 degrees.

Right now I am: Getting ready to start a new sci-fi book. Hope this one does not disappoint.

On my bedside table: A few more middle grade books; Tell Me an Ending by Jo Harkin

On my tv this week: J and I finished the S1 of Our Flag Means Death (love it!) and caught up with Jeff Goldblum’s show and Severance. I got to start Bridgerton S2, but I don’ have time to binge the entire thing quite yet. Taking it slow.

Listening to: I’ve been loving the Apple Musicals Playlist and Apple Favorite’s list. Lots of singing this week, much to the disappointment of Arthur and Quentin.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Tobe out for dinner (Book Club)

• Tuesday - Brie, Apricot, Bacon Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Potato Leek Soup

• Saturday - ???

• Sunday - ???

On my to do list: I need to organize curriculum, pick up the living room, watch Bridgerton S2 (high priority!), and make a grocery list today.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Book Club for Cloud Cuckoo Land

• Tuesday - Park Playdate; Book Club for The Girls in the Stilt House

• Wednesday - Hair Appointment!

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Arbor Day Farm Field trip

• Saturday - D&D

• Sunday - Zoom Book Club for Just One Damned Thing After Another; Zoom Book Club for The War that Saved My Life

What I am creating: Mostly I’m just working on curriculum, although I do want to lay out my March MP pages as it’s the end of the month. I need to figure out what pictures to print.

My simple pleasures: Live theater! Cocktail with J out at a bar!

Looking around the house: I did a whirlwind clean yesterday and the kitchen looks amazing. It really needed a fully counter wipe down and organization. Plus I organized the laundry room. I do get all twitchy when I go in there anymore. Huzzah!

From the camera: Out to live theater for the first time since fall of 2019. J and I went to see Alton Brown. Absolutely hilarious!

Life Right Now #9

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny and the temps are going to be in the mid-60s today. So much better than the high of 10 on Thursday.

Right now I am: Ready to settle in with my current book

On my bedside table: Lots of Middle Grade Novels for the rest of March!

On my tv this week: We started watching two great shows, one hilarious and one very weird and serious but amazing: Our Flag Means Death and Severance.

Listening to: Just my usual podcasts. But I did find a new podcast called The Rise and Fall of Lularoe. Definitely starting this one next week!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Honey Lime Jalapeño Chicken

• Tuesday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin

• Wednesday - Lemon Dill Capellini Salmon

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Jalapeño Popper Bacon Bean Soup

• Saturday - Grilled Cheese Night

• Sunday - Mosterdsoep

On my to do list: I need to put some random things away, finish the laundry, clean the kitchen

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home School Day

• Tuesday - Errands morning and then School Day

• Wednesday - Schramm Hike (trying again with a better forecast)

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Fire Station Tour; Lit Society

• Saturday - Home Day; D&D

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I finished February’s Memory Planner pages yesterday. So that means that today I want to work on my birthday insert page.

My simple pleasures: Banana bread, reading a book in one sitting, a bit of quet

Looking around the house: I did a mad vacuum yesterday, but I would love f0r the kids to clean the playroom so that could get vacuumed.

From the camera: During our family game night, Arthur rolled 5 skulls! We were playing HeroQuest and with the wizard’s spell and five skulls, he immediately decimated the dread knight. Amazing!

Life Right Now #8

As I look outside my window: It’s still very overcast and cold out after yesterday’s storms. It’ll be cold for my birthday day out, but at least the rain stopped.

Right now I am: Getting ready to leave for my day out.

On my bedside table: Lore by Alexandra Bracken; Gilded by Marissa Meyer

On my tv this week: We’ve watched a few decent movies this past week and started Severance S1.

Listening to: Nothing much except for my usual podcasts.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken and Noodles

• Tuesday - Ham and Cheese Croissants

• Wednesday - Jalapeño Popper Bacon and Bean Soup

• Thursday - Coffee-Rubbed Pork Loin

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Sunday - Lemon Dill Capellini Salmon

On my to do list: I’m certain that I have a list, but I have completely forgotten what is on the list. Guess I need a refresher.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Regular School Day

• Tuesday - Dentist for kids; Park playdate

• Wednesday - Zoo Day

• Thursday - Regular School Day

• Friday - Schramm Hike Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: After a bit of a break, I’m back to working on my 2022 Memory Planner.

My simple pleasures: German Chocolate Cake, book shopping, a new puzzle

Looking around the house: I should really vacuum the downstairs tomorrow morning.

From the camera: Yummy birthday cake for me.

Life Right Now #7

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny again, but still pretty cold. Much much warmer than earlier this week, but started off in the 30s this morning.

Right now I am: Sitting down with my new book to read. Here’s hoping it’s better than the last one.

On my bedside table: All the Bodies by Kendare Blake; The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield

On my tv this week: Wrapping up our movie month this past week, but we also watched a few episodes of Hustle, Resident Alien, and Last Week Tonight.

Listening to: All the news and politics podcasts.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Crab Coconut Curry

• Tuesday - Mosterdsoep

• Wednesday - Chicken and Noodles

• Thursday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - ????

• Sunday - ????

On my to do list: Set up student loan account (they sold my student loan yet again and I have to make a new account to access all the information; seriously student loans suck so much…), buy a bin to put away the in-between homeschool supplies (see the read alouds photos below), take care of some coop business, finalize my birthday day out plans

Happening this week:

• Monday - Zoo Day; Book Club

• Tuesday - Park Playdate Morning

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - My Birthday!

• Sunday - My Birthday Day Out!

What I am creating: Books lists and curriculum plans

My simple pleasures: Good coffee, a long stretch of reading, getting out all my frustrations in a word vomit (seriously it helps sometimes)

Looking around the house: Besides my craft room, the house is looking decent. I do need to put away clothes today, but that’s usual.

From the camera: I was getting so confused that I had to pull out all of our read alouds to see what we got. And now I’ve separated them into homeschool years (and a free read pile) creating our master read alouds lists. Feeling so better now that this is all organized. I do love a plan.

Life Right Now #6

As I look outside my window: Clear and bright. The temperature is supposed to top out at around 60 degrees, before steadily dropping over the next three days to a high of 12 degrees on Thursday. Fun times in the Midwest.

Right now I am: Scrambling to finish this post as I completely forgot about it last night (we had D&D) and was distracted this morning by curriculum and my puzzle.

On my bedside table: Girly Drinks by Mallory O’Meara; Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire

On my tv this week: We ended up watching a few movies, but took a few nights off from watching anything. I had two busy nights and we had D&D last night.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts, although I did download a new album by The Rumjacks; found them on Apple Music’s New Hard Rock playlist.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Balsamic Glazed Pork Roast

• Tuesday - Mosterdsoep and Ontbijkoek

• Wednesday - Prawn and Sweet Potato Curry (but switch to tofu)

• Thursday - Chicken and Noodles

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Mississippi Pot Roast

• Sunday - Crab Coconut Curry

On my to do list: Arthur scratched his glasses at the park so I need to attempt to get those fixed. I also need to create a new account as my student loans were just transferred to a different company (seriously hate this practice), and I have an anticipated big project documenting our homeschool read alouds.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Regular school day

• Tuesday - Regular school day; Lord of the Rings trivia at Edge of the Universe

• Wednesday - Regular school day

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Coop field trip to the planetarium

• Saturday - Home day?

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I’m working on my 2022 Memory Planner, but took a break this week to deal with some big projects.

My simple pleasures: Earl Grey Tea Bread (didn’t over-bake it this time); Fun times at Music Bingo and D&D; quiet time at the park

Looking around the house: Having coop here the past two weeks means that the first floor is in decent shape right now.

From the camera: 90s Music Bingo! We didn’t win but it was still lots of fun.

Life Right Now #5

As I look outside my window: It’s fairly sunny out there right now, but pretty darn cold. Seems like the clouds will be rolling in later.

Right now I am: Contemplating making earl grey tea bread or muffins.

On my bedside table: Fuzz by Mary Roach; Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor (reread for book club)

On my tv this week: We’ve continued our movie month with The Godfather Part II, tick tick BOOM!, LOTR: The Two Towers, Bad Boys for Life (that was terrible), and LOTR: The Return of the King.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts, but I also cued up some Mike Shinoda and A Day to Remember this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Prawn and Sweet Potato Curry

• Tuesday - Green Chile Enchilada Soup

• Wednesday - Jalapeño Popper and Bean Soup

• Thursday - Sesame Chicken

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Mosterdsoep

• Sunday - Sweet Potato Nachos

On my to do list: I have a big ongoing list, but really this weekend I’m taking it a bit easier.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Regular home day

• Tuesday - Zoo day?; Coop Parent Meeting

• Wednesday - Coop Valentine’s Party; 90s Music Bingo

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Lit Society

• Saturday - D&D (it’s been a minute due to COVID and travel)

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I started working on my 2022 Memory Planner and am attempting to finish my 2021 December Daily album.

My simple pleasures: A stop at my favorite panderia, exploring new areas of town, finding historical markers

Looking around the house: It’s in decent shape from my panicked cleaning before coop on Thursday. I do want to tackle a deep clean of all the kitchen counters and fridge today.

From the camera: We started playing HeroQuest for family game night. The boys are getting the hang of it.

Life Right Now #4

As I look outside my window: It’s gray, but fairly warm today.

Right now I am: Finishing How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith before starting brunch.

On my bedside table: An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole; Fuzz by Mary Roach

On my tv this week: It’s February Movie Month! We try to watch new-to-us (or at least haven’t seen in decades) movies instead of flipping over to television shows. So far, we watched some really good ones and J introduced me to The Godfather.

Listening to: Catching up on some podcasts. I also listened to both countdowns this week from Octane and Alt Nation. Trying to incorporate more music into my routine.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Firecracker Chicken

• Tuesday - Pork and Green Chile Stew

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Mosterdsoep (Dutch mustard soup)

• Friday - Sega Wat

• Saturday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Sunday - Sloppy Joes

On my to do list: Can't remember what’s on my list right this second, but I did make a list on Friday. I know that I’ve checked off a few things already, but I’m sure there’s lots to do. I do know that I want to finish my current nonfiction read today or tomorrow (it’s due in 4 days) and a need to put away all the clothes. I also need to do a library run and a grocery store run today.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Normal School Day

• Tuesday - Fontenelle Forest Walk (it’s going to be 50 degrees)

• Wednesday - Normal School Day

• Thursday - Coop at our house

• Friday - Great Plains Black History Museum field trip

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Jane Austen Bowl at Edge of the Universe

What I am creating: I’m working on my 2021 December Daily album. I have about Falk of the pictures printed (need more photo paper) and most of the layout set. I need to start journaling and embellishing. And finish printing when my delivery arrives on Tuesday.

My simple pleasures: Not hurting, seriously my body has been in a lot of pain these past few days. I can hardly remember a time that it didn’t hurt, even though I know that was like Thursday. Hoping this flare up subsides soon.

Looking around the house: I really need to do a cleaning day. We’re hosting coop this week, so I need to get the first floor in decent shape at least.

From the camera: I actually finished my 2021 Memory Planner! I’m ready to start my 2022 album.

Life Right Now #3

On my bedside table: Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler; How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith

On my tv this week: We binged only Murders in the Building S1. Oh so good! Yesterday we started Resident Alien S2. it’s been a wild television show week.

Listening to: I completely caught up with the Maintenance Phase podcast so I started diving back into some other podcasts that I’ve gotten behind on.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers / Tobe out for dinner

• Tuesday - Maafe

• Wednesday - Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowls

• Thursday - Jalapeño Popper Bacon and Bean Soup

• Friday - Baked Firecracker Chicken

• Saturday - Tuscan Kale and White bean Soup

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I have a ton of school stuff to organize, a couple of craft projects to finish, and a kitchen pantry to inventory.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Morning walk at OPPD Arboretum; Book Club

• Tuesday - Virtual National Weather Service Tour; Trivia @ Edge of the Universe

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day; D&D

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Still working on my 2021 Memory Planner. I’ve completed through September. That’s means only two months to go.

My simple pleasures: Hot chocolate, nature walks, new puzzles

Looking around the house: Blergh. I should do some house work today.

From the camera: View of the wetlands at Heron Haven. Look at all those geese and ducks!

Life Right Now #2

As I look outside my window: It’s clear and bright, but probably very cold. I haven’t decided if I’m leaving the house today.

Right now I am: Getting ready to dive into my reading hour. I’ve got a graphic novel and a nonfiction business book sitting here ready for me to pick up.

On my bedside table: Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler; Far Sector by NK Jemisin

On my tv this week: Wr continued with The Witcher S2 and The Great S1. And we finally started watching The Righteous Gemstones.

Listening to: Lots of hard rock playlists. I’ve been mixing it up. Somehow the hard rock has been calming me done while I’ve been making dinner and doing house chores.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sausage, Potato, Spinach Soup

• Tuesday - Chicken Shawarma Fries

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Jalapeño Popper and Bean Soup

• Friday - Peanut Sauce Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

• Saturday - Maafe

• Sunday - Italian Noodle Soup

On my to do list: Laundry, put away laundry, vacuum, make a cake, make dinner, prep dinner for tomorrow (chicken needs to marinate), print some photos, organize some photos, maybe do a library run

Happening this week:

• Monday - Winter walk at Heron Haven

• Tuesday - Playdate at Friend’s House; Book Club

• Wednesday - Regular Home Day

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Regular Home Day

• Saturday - Regular Home Day

• Sunday - Currently Reading Zoom

What I am creating: I’m still working through my 2021 Memory Planner. I’ve completed up through July and I just started at the new year. I’m hoping to be done by mid-February. I did hit an obstacle in that I didn’t clean out all the photos from our road trip in September. That’s going to take a minute.

My simple pleasures: Time with friends (even all masked up and cautious), continuing to be healthy, less headaches this week, reliving our road trip by cleaning out the pictures.

Looking around the house: J has been tackling some random projects including getting a bookcase for his books, removing some random old things (like the radio in the bathroom), and buying garage door insulating kits. Here’s hoping he can finish something today.

From the camera: We visited SAC Museum this week during a very cold day. We haven’t been in almost two years and it was nice to visit again.

Life Right Now #39

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny although it is cold today.

Right now I am: Getting ready to dive into my next book, Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas. It’s the last book in the Lady Sherlock series and I am desperate to see how everything ends.

On my bedside table: A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss; lots of Kindle holiday romances

On my tv this week: We continued with the current seasons of It’s Always Sunny and Doctor Who. We watched a few more episodes of The Great S1 and started The Wticher S2.

Listening to: Mostly trying to catch up with my podcasts. Only 5 gazillion episodes left to go.

On the menu for this week: I have no idea. We’re leaving on Tuesday, so I don’t really have definitely plans made.

On my to do list: I need to finish packing obviously. I also have a few errands to run later today to prepare for travel. And I should really consult my giant break projects list to make a time blocking plan.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Coop Christmas Party

• Tuesday - Travel Day!

• Wednesday - Visit to the Botanical Gardens and stop to see the lights downtown

• Thursday - Fantasy of Lights

• Friday - Christmas Eve!

• Saturday - Christmas Day!

• Sunday - Christmas with other side of the family

What I am creating: Packing lists. I have about 60% of our stuff ready to be loaded into the van. But I still have that other 40% to take care of. Checking my packing lists again to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

My simple pleasures: D&D with friends, a nice cup of cocoa, good night’s rest.

Looking around the house: Whirlwind cleaning yesterday really helped lighten my mood. I like to leave the house for travel in a decent shape so when I come home, I’m not annoyed by the mess. J will still be here, but he’s much less messier than the kids.

From the camera: Thankful that the very scary storm on Wednesday produced some high winds in the area, but not much else. Still, it was a tense few hours spent in the basement just in case.

Life Right Now #38

As I look outside my window: Most of the snow from Friday night has melted, at least on the concrete. The boys wanted to build a snowman, but it’s too sparse and wet for that now. They were a bit disappointed.

Right now I am: Planning my experiments for circuits theme for coop on Thursday. We are going to make graphite circuits and a lemon battery.

Thinking and pondering: What all do I need to get done before traveling this Christmas? I swear my to-do is so scattered right now.

On my bedside table: Well Matched by Jen DeLuca; lots more holiday romances

On my tv this week: We watched a few movies and documentaries this week, plus we finally started The Great. Hilarious!

Listening to: Holly on Sirius XM all the time now! It’s officially Christmas music time.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Tuesday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Wednesday - Pomegranate Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Mongolian Beef

• Saturday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken

• Sunday - Shrimp Scampi Pasta

On my to do list: Oh so many little things! But most of all, I need to clean off my desk and put away my Christmas card supplies.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Regular School Day

• Tuesday - Movie Afternoon (We’re going to see Encanto)

• Wednesday - Park Playdate Morning; Musicals Bingo

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Regular School Day

• Saturday - House Cleaning; D&D

• Sunday - More House Cleaning and Packing

What I am creating: I want to make about 4 more Christmas cards to have on hand for neighbors and such. Once that’s done (maybe this afternoon), I need to clean off my desk and get prepping for homeschool next semester. Or I might take a look at my memory planner first…

My simple pleasures: Good gatherings with friends. We had our book club book and bottle exchange last night and it was so lovely to hang out with people again. And I got a book that has been on my TBR list, so yeah me!

Looking around the house: Things are okay, but I do need to get the kitchen in order today and clear off the counter to prep for the coop holiday party on the 20th.

From the camera: I chopped my hair off this week! Feels so much better and it curls much easier now.

Life Right Now #37

As I look outside my window: The sun is shining, but it’s not very bright. We are definitely back to colder temperatures and weak light. Welcome to winter in the Midwest!

Right now I am: Fighting with my phone to charge correctly! The connection inside is having issues and it randomly will stop charging. Need to figure this out.

On my bedside table: All the holiday romances! I’m currently alternating between a historical and a contemporary.

On my tv this week: We finished both Hit Monkey and Cowboy Bebop. And we watched The Harder They Fall (So good!!!!).

Listening to: Just lots of podcasts. Not much else except for bickering children.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Prosciutto and Fig Pizza

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Take out

• Thursday - Pomegranate Chicken

• Friday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Saturday - Leftovers / Snack Dinner

• Sunday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

On my to do list: Doing a lot of prep for the rest of December (getting advent activities around, buying tickets for things like Christmas movies). I’ve also started to make my Christmas Break Project list and lay out Roam for all my forms and lists for next year.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Movie Afternoon

• Tuesday - Board Games with Coop

• Wednesday - Werner Park Lights

• Thursday - Coop; Haircut

• Friday - DoSpace Tour and Activity

• Saturday - Book Club Christmas Party

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Christmas cards! I’ve made over 40, but would like to knock out about 20 more this week to give to local people (book club, coop, etc). If I take one afternoon this week, I can accomplish that goal.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate truffle advent I bought myself, breezy holiday romances.

Looking around the house: I’m feeling much better after a whirlwind cleaning session yesterday. Really just having the living room all picked up and put together lifts my mood so much.

From the camera: Watching the fish at Cabela’s after see Santa

Life Right Now #36

As I look outside my window: It’’s bright and sun. After a very warm yesterday, the temperatures are going to drop a bit today, but not by much. A trip the library later will only require a light sweater.

Right now I am: Finally putting down my book for a bit. I got a late start to my Sunday morning reading due to kid sickness. Here’s hoping that it’s a passing thing.

Thinking and pondering: About my D&D character’s backstory. I think I need to flesh out my character a bit more before next session.

On my bedside table: The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss; The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

On my tv this week: We’ve been making our way through The Hobbit movies with the kids; finishing The Desolation of Smaug tonight. And J and I have been watching Cowboy Bebop and Hit Monkey.

Listening to: Mostly random podcasts, but this week hasn’t left much time for even those.

On the menu for this week: It’s a weird week due to medical stuff and book clubs…

• Monday - Out for book club

• Tuesday - J can’t eat (prepping for a minor medical procedure) and I have book club late, so maybe I grab something at the restaurant?

• Wednesday - Maafe

• Thursday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese

• Friday - Pomegranate Chicken

• Saturday - Homemade Pizza

• Sunday - Chicken and Corn Soup

On my to do list: I have some book and activity advent activities to finish prepping before Wednesday. Plus, I need to prep my circuits lesson for later in December. And I need to do some house tasks.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Normal School Day; Book Club

• Tuesday - Normal School Day; Other Book Club

• Wednesday - J’s Medical Procedure; Kids’ 2nd Vaccine Shots!

• Thursday - Coop; Groceries?

• Friday - Visit to See Santa!

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I have made 46 Christmas cards and would like to make probably 14 more to make it an even 60. I’m rolling along with my creations and am just about done.

My simple pleasures: Good coffee, fun D&D adventures, and a good book.

Looking around the house: I’ve put out our meager Christmas decorations including some outside items. I’m sure that I will add a few more things before the end of this year. But as we aren’t going to be here for Christmas, I’m not putting up a tree.

From the camera: Day after Thanksgiving meal made of leftovers.