Life Right Now #37

Right now I am: Reading a few comic trades before getting brunch ready.

On my bedside table: The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin; The Highlander’s Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly

On my tv this week: We sped through Staged S3 and caught up on the Doctor Who specials that we somehow missed.

Listening to: I have been catching up on my favorite podcasts. I am still a few episodes behind on Currently Reading.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Travel Day

• Thursday - ???

• Friday - ???

• Saturday - ???

• Sunday - Appetizer Day

On my to do list: All the packing. Seriously, all I’m concentrating on is packing.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day, packing

• Tuesday - Omaha Children’s Museum

• Wednesday - Travel Day

• Thursday - Fantasy of Lights

• Friday - Final shopping and prep

• Saturday - Christmas Eve

• Sunday - Christmas Day

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment. I am packing kits for December Daily and WITL to take with me to Indiana. Hopefully I will get a chance to work on them while there.

My simple pleasures: Cutout sugar cookies, a variety of teas, cozy sweatshirts

Looking around the house: So many piles of crap right now. I’m in the middle of packing for Indiana and organizing as I go.

From the camera: My Book Flood gift package came this week! I have already read Broken, but I had wanted a physical copy. The other book is one that I have never heard of. Very interested to read it.

Life Right Now #36

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny, but pretty cold. At least it’s warmer than yesterday.

Right now I am: Going to take a few minutes to read before getting brunch started.

Thinking and pondering: I’m going to host a homeschool seminar for the coop in January. I’m thinking about how I want to structure it.

On my bedside table: You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky; Whiteout

On my tv this week: J and have watched a ton of Leverage: Redemption S1 this week. We’ve almost made it through the entire season.

Listening to: Mostly just the usual podcasts. I also added the Alternative Holiday playlist to my rotation this month.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - BBQ Chicken

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, Broccoli, and Bacon

• Thursday - Out

• Friday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Fish and Chips

On my to do list: I’ve got a huge to-do list and am trying to pick off a few things every day. I’m currently working on lots of coop tasks.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Kid Doctor Appointments

• Tuesday - Coop Board Games; Coop Happy Hour

• Wednesday - Mammogram; Santa Visit; Science

• Thursday - Coop; Werner Park Lights

• Friday - CT Scan; Christmas at Arbor Day Lodge

• Saturday - Bookworms Book and Bottle Exchange

• Sunday - Coop Boo Club

What I am creating: I’ve been working on our spring curriculum plan lately. I’ve finished Arthur’s plan and am working on Quentin’s plan.

My simple pleasures: My new tea advent calendar is so exciting. I can’t wait to eventually try all of the flavors.

Looking around the house: Things are a bit all over the place. I need to do a whirlwind clean soon.

From the camera: Yummy cookies! The Andes Mint ones were the clear winner.

Life Right Now #35

Right now I am: Gathering my library books for a run to the closest branch once they open this afternoon. I’m also making our grocery list (never-ending).

Thinking and pondering: What exactly are we going to do for the coop Christmas party? I have hot chocolate tasting and cookie decorating. I need to think of a few games and fun.

On my bedside table: The Midwife’s Revolt by Jodi Daynard (book club is on the 30th!), Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert

On my tv this week: Not much. Before he left for a work trip, J and I watched a few movies. When he was gone, the kids and I watched a few movies. I spent most nights not watching television, instead reading or listening to a podcast.

Listening to: I finally dove back into Grim & Mild’s offerings with Grim & Mild Presents: Sideshow. I like the biweekly format even if I’m almost a year behind. I’ll binge listen probably driving to Indiana next month.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Tuesday - Peanut Sauce Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Bowls

• Wednesday - Pesto Stuffed Shells

• Thursday - Thanksgiving!

• Friday - Leftovers (of course)

• Saturday - Spinach and Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken

• Sunday - Black Bean Soup, Tacos

On my to do list: I really need to do a brain dump today. I know that I have a ton of random little tasks to deal with, but right now, they’re all rattling around in my brain.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Possible Festival of Trees visit

• Tuesday - Zoo Day with coop friends

• Wednesday - Home Day / Thanksgiving prep

• Thursday - Thanksgiving!

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Zoom Chat about Fairy Tale by Stephen King

What I am creating: Nothing except big to do lists.

My simple pleasures: Cranberry orange scones, singing along at Music Bingo, snuggles with Q

Looking around the house: I did a whirlwind clean for coop on Thursday, so things are looking decent right now. I do want to vacuum at some point today and I know I have a load of laundry to do.

From the camera: I spent my Tuesday night getting my Alice inspired tattoo, finally!

Life Right Now #34

As I look outside my window: it look nice and sunny out, but

Right now I am: Eating a small breakfast before prepping for brunch and then my tattoo appointment.

On my bedside table: The Midwife’s Revolt by Jodi Daynard; Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

On my tv this week: J and I have been watching a lot of random and new movies and documentaries this week. Mostly very good viewing.

Listening to: Mostly podcast this week. I started listening to If Books Could Kill and am loving it so much. Check it out!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Out for Bingo

• Thursday - ???

• Friday - ???

• Saturday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Sunday - Greek Night

On my to do list: Eye appointments are next on my list. I also should get a start on my Christmas present list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - SAC Museum

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Errands; Science; Music Bingo

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Outschool

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing really… although I need to get Christmas cards started.

My simple pleasures: Brownies and hot tea, a good reread

Looking around the house: Things are decent looking right now. I should vacuum upstairs later today and probably clean the master bathroom.

From the camera: My tattoo idea board. Very excited to get it done today.

Life Right Now #33

On my bedside table: Comfort Me with Apples by Catherynne M. Valente; Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingersoll

On my tv this week: We’ve continued our movie month with a mix of action and adventure.

Listening to: I rediscovered my love of the band Heart so I decided to just do a register to all their albums. So good!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sesame Chicken

• Tuesday - Chicken Shawarma Fries

• Wednesday - German Night: Brats, Potato Salad, Apple Strudel

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Swedish Meatballs

• Saturday - Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Sunday - Sausage and Potatoes

On my to do list: I got doctor’s appointments set, so I guess that means that I need to make eye appointments next. I also need to do a bit of coop update

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Home Day (I know it’s Election Day, but I already voted by mail.)

• Wednesday - Science

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Tattoo Appointment (finally); Outschool Class

• Saturday - Playdate with a friend

• Sunday - Book Club Zoom

What I am creating: Absolutely nothing. I really need to get going on Christmas cards soon.

My simple pleasures: A pain-free (well almost) day. After all the flare-ups lately, it’s nice to have an almost pain-free day. I always have a bit of pain now, but no sharp pains today, so It’s a win.

Looking around the house: I started vacuuming yesterday. Today I should probably tidy up the kitchen and get some random things put away upstairs.

From the camera: The weather turned so it was time for my twine a year haircut! Loving how bouncy it is right now.

Life Right Now #32

Thinking and pondering: How much pain is too much? I’m glad that I have an appointment made for early December, but goodness I don’t know if I can make it that far. I’m having 4 pain days for every 3 good ones.

On my bedside table: Fairy Tale by Stephen King; Tunnel of Bones by VE Schwab

On my tv this week: We are continuing our spooky movie month with the rest of the Alien and Predator series.

Listening to: I finished S1 on Limetown and am ready to reading the prequel book before moving onto S2.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Charcuterie Board

• Tuesday - Chicken and Dumplings

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Swedish Night

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - England and Ireland Night

• Sunday - Teriyaki Shrimp

On my to do list: Beyond the house tasks below, I need to make eye appointments. I also need to make my November TBR pile I need to do some other long range planning for the rest of the semester.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Halloween! We have the coop party and then trick-or-treating.

• Tuesday - Coop Book Club

• Wednesday - Science

• Thursday - Coop; Lit Society

• Friday - Haircut for me; Outschool drawing class

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I’m need to finish my October Memory Planner pages and I would like to think about Christmas cards.

My simple pleasures: One last visit to the pumpkin patch; warm chocolate chip cookies; horrifying books

Looking around the house: I really need to vacuum. I was going to do it yesterday, but I had a very bad pain day so no go. Maybe I can get it done today. I also need to do laundry and put away all those clothes.

From the camera: Book club by the fire pit. I love fall!

Life Right Now #31

Right now I am: Deciding what to make for brunch today…

Thinking and pondering: How many more books can I fit in this month? Or maybe I should just continue Spooky Book Month into November.

On my bedside table: Still Life with Crows by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childs; Beastly Bones by William Ritter

On my tv this week: We are continuing Spooky Movie Month. We’re in the middle of watching the entire Alien and Predator series (in release date order).

Listening to: After listening to an episode of All Things Murderful with Meredith, I had to download and start listening to Limetown. I also requested the prequel book to read after listening to S1.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Book Club

• Wednesday - Book Club

• Thursday - Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice Soup

• Friday - Swedish Meatballs

• Saturday - Smothered Pork Chops

• Sunday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

On my to do list: I got a new PCP assigned to the boys and myself, but now I need to call the office and make appointments.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Vala’s Day (possibly the last visit of the season)

• Tuesday - Virtual Park Ranger Program; Book Club

• Wednesday - Science; Book Club

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Outschool Class; Kids’s COVID Boosters

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Working on a puzzle this weekend and my October Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Family time at the pumpkin patch; less pain; hot tea

Looking around the house: Apparently our patio furniture will just be staying int he living room for this winter Extra seating I guess.

From the camera: Beautiful sunset at the pumpkin patch and a view of one of the old barns.

Life Right Now #30

As I look outside my window:

Right now I am:

Thinking and pondering:

On my bedside table: The Wrong Girl by R.L. Stine

On my tv this week: We completed our rewatch of the Blade series. Turns out, I never actually watched number two, so it was a completely new experience for me. I’ve also been keeping up with Bachelor in Paradise, Below Deck Med, and The Great British Baking Show (Mexican week was in very bad taste).

Listening to: The usual podcasts. My brain has not been able to take much audio input this week, so not big music binges.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Baked Potato Soup

• Tuesday - Firecracker Chicken

• Wednesday - Leftovers (possibly out at Vala’s)

• Thursday - Blackened Salmon

• Friday - Beef Stew

• Saturday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Sunday - Buffalo Chicken Nachos

On my to do list: Now that bivalent COVID boosters have been approved for kids, I’m waiting for the local pharmacies to change their policies so I can make the kids appointments. Beyond that, I need to take care of the dentist bill, prep curriculum for November, do my biweekly coop checks, switch out my summer/winter clothes, and set up some playdates.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Arbor Day Farm

• Wednesday - Kid Dentist Appointments; Vala’s

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Outschool Drawing Class

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Now that the party is over, I’m catching up on my Memory Planner pages. I also would love to maybe think about Christmas cards this month, but not sure if I will have the bandwidth for that.

My simple pleasures: Hot cup of coffee, uninterrupted reading time, a cozy blanket - I’m leaning hard into the fall vibes right now.

Looking around the house: I still have patio furniture in my living room (from the party last weekend) and it may just live here for the winter. Where I usually put it in the garage is full of other stuff now. I do need to get the boys to pick up some of their piles though and their room is a disaster.

From the camera: Loving the new drinks and decor at Edge of the Universe

Life Right Now #29

As I look outside my window: Clear and bright again this Sunday. I might just go sit on the deck.

Right now I am: attempting to finish my current read before everyone else comes downstairs and bothers me.

Thinking and pondering: what is on my to-do list for today? I know torches and horses, but I feel like I’m forgetting something.

On my bedside table: Fledgling by Octavia Butler, The 1619 Project - both buddy reads with various Currently Reading Bookish Friends

On my tv this week: We finished out our music documentary month and am moving onto spooky movie month.

Listening to: Other than my regular podcasts, I’ve been putting my Apple Music on shuffle a lot lately. My music library is very eclectic. I never know what’s going to come up next.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Tuesday - Beef Tips

• Wednesday - Peru and Venezuela Night

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Birthday Party

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I have a ton of birthday party crafts to make this week. And all the other prep that I need to do.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Vala’s Day

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Vala’s Day

• Thursday - Coop; Lit Society

• Friday - Home Day; Birthday Party Prep; Arthur Outschool

• Saturday - Birthday Party!

• Sunday - Coop Book Club

What I am creating: All the birthday party prep. I made all the potion vials last night and finished the rest of potions class prep. Guess I’ll be getting started on the jousting supplies.

My simple pleasures: A clean house, a few minutes of peace, a visit to the pumpkin patch.

Looking around the house: I have so much to put away and clean before the birthday party. The only way to do it is systematically.

From the camera: A trio of pie slices at Vala’s: cherry, monster cookie, and salted caramel apple.

Life Right Now #28

Right now I am: Making my plan for the day. I have a lot to squeeze in today.

Thinking and pondering: What do I need to put onto my shopping list? I have multiple places to go and things to acquire. Mostly for the birthday party.

On my bedside table: Ariadne by Jennifer Saint; The Girl and the Goddess by Nikita Gill

On my tv this week: We continued watching Sonic Highways and some of our currently airing shows (Archer, Lower Decks, Rick & Morty).

Listening to: The usual podcasts. Nothing too exciting this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Q’s Choice Charcuterie Board

• Tuesday - Out for Book Club

• Wednesday - BBQ Chicken

• Thursday - Chicken Parmesan

• Friday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Saturday - Argentina Night

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: Lots of birthday party tasks, prepping for school for next week, making a grocery list

Happening this week:

• Monday - Quentin’s Birthday! We’re going to Vala’s for the day.

• Tuesday - Online Radio Station Tour with Coop; Book Club

• Wednesday - Coop Picture Day; Science

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - D&D

• Sunday - Home Day

From the camera: Arthur was so excited to find Jurassic World Trip cereal at Aldi’s. Definitely not on my list, but we bought it anyway.

Life Right Now #27

As I look outside my window: It’s a bit dreary out after last night’s storms.

Right now I am: Prepping to marinate the chicken for tonight’s Jamaican night: jerk chicken, coconut beans and rice, and banana punch.

Thinking and pondering: Why does my side hurt so much? Seriously it hurts to breathe sometimes. I think I pulled a muscle, but my goodness, it is painful.

On my bedside table: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith; The Girl and the Goddess by Nikita Gill

On my tv this week: We’ve been continuing on with our music documentaries. I’m really digging Sonic Highways, made by Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.

Listening to: I finally finished listening to Unobscured Season 3 all about the Whitechapel murders. It really went in depth about the area, the people, and the context for the murders. I think my favorite season so far is Season 2 about American Spiritualism, but this one was very interesting. Season 4 is all about Rasputin.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Broccoli Beef

• Tuesday - Ajiaco (Chicken and Corn Soup)

• Wednesday - Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Chili

• Saturday - BBQ Chicken

• Sunday - Sloppy Joes

On my to do list: We are getting our flu shots today (and bivalent COVID boosters for J and me) to prep for the fall/winter. Beyond that, I need to put away all the clothes, finished prepping my planner, clean the kitchen, write out the parent meeting agenda and my thoughts, and work on the birthday party. I ordered a ton of supplies, but now I need to really write out the quest details. Busy busy busy today!

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Dentist (for me); Science with friends

• Thursday - Coop; Coop Parent Meeting

• Friday - Platte River State Park Hike (although the weather is looking very chilly and rainy for this day; chilly is fun, rain will cause a lot of muddy paths); Arthur Outschool Class

• Saturday - Home day

• Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Zoom Discussion of Parable of the Sower

What I am creating: I’m working on laying out the birthday party quest and all the challenges. I always like to have a script for our birthday parties as there is so much happening.

My simple pleasures: Fun board games with friends (The Wood and Chuck Inn was particular genius on my part), hot coffee, a quiet moment to collect my thoughts.

Looking around the house: I already mentioned that I need to clean the kitchen. I’m also mentally decorating the house for the birthday party to understand where I need to move things.

From the camera: Pork Cubano, brown rice, and baked plantains for last night’s Cuba dinner. I also made a very yummy coconut rum cake for desert.

Life Right Now #26

As I look outside my window: It’s pretty windy outside which is different.

Right now I am: About to head out to the deck for my Sunday morning reading and coffee.

Thinking and pondering: What supplies am I forgetting for coop this week? I completely changed the plan and now I’m a bit adrift.

On my bedside table: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin; Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

On my tv this week: We finished this season of Only Murders in the Building S2 and The Outlaws S2. Lower Decks is back and we’re loving it!

Listening to: All my podcasts. I caught up on Maintenance Phase and have almost finished Mother Country Radicals.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Veg Edible Dinner Choice

• Tuesday - Veg Edible Dinner Choice

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Veg Edible Dinner Choice

• Friday - Veg Edible Dinner Choice

• Saturday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• Sunday - Seafood Night

On my to do list: I have some planning to do for our Des Moines trip and the boys’ birthday party,

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nebraska State Fair!

• Tuesday - Louisville State Recreation Area for swimming

• Wednesday - Science with Katy

• Thursday - Coop; Art Class

• Friday - Fontenelle Forest Field Trip

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Coop Book Club

What I am creating: I started working on August’s Memory Planner pages yesterday.

My simple pleasures:

Looking around the house:

From the camera: During our gaming session, we played this fun game. It’s kind of like Dominos. We’re going to have to pick this one up soon.

Life Right Now #25

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny again after yesterday’s weirdly overcast day

Right now I am: Prepping a big to-do list for today and making breakfast.

On my bedside table: Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (book club selection); Dark Wild Night by Christina Lauren

On my tv this week: We caught up with our currently airing shows (Loot, What We Do in the Shadows) and watched two movies this week. We’re formulating a plan for music movies/documentaries September. With the kids we started watching Ms. Marvel. Really digging the style choices.

Listening to: Mostly just podcasts this week. My satellite radio finally updated after our cancellation and so I am still figuring out the local radio channels. The commercials are killing me. Guess I need to queue up music on my phone more often.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Potato Soup with Sausage

• Tuesday - Out for trivia

• Wednesday - Canada Night (Maple Chicken, Wild Rice, Bannock Bread, Blueberry Crisp)

• Thursday - Fiesta Chicken and Rice Bowls

• Friday - Texas Cheese Fries

• Saturday - Steak on grill, sweet potatoes, broccoli, dinner rolls

• Sunday - Lemon Butter scallops, parmesan tilapia, clam dip

On my to do list: Amongst many other things, I do want to make eye appointments and booster appointments for the kids.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Durham Museum Visit

• Tuesday - Heron Haven Visit; Family Trivia Night

• Wednesday - Science

• Thursday - Coop; Art Class

• Friday - Gaming Open House

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - BC Zoom for The Left Hand of Darkness

What I am creating: Mostly just lists of what I need to accomplish in the next two months. We have a weekend trip to Des Moines and the boys’ birthday party to prep for.

My simple pleasures: Good dreams, overcast days, cleaning off my side table

Looking around the house: Meh. I’m okay with everything this weekend. Just want to do a sweep style pickup hour later this afternoon.

From the camera: I didn’t win at Music Bingo this week, but it’s always fun. Only two more weeks of the bar’s Luau Disco Queen theme before they repaint.

Life Right Now #24

Right now I am: Hoping to fit in some reading time this morning along with vacuuming and the laundry.

On my bedside table: The Palace Papers by Tina Brown; The Fervor by Alma Cats

On my tv this week: We’ve sped through The Sandman and it is just as glorious as I thought it would be. Just beautiful.

Listening to: Mostly just podcast, but I’ve also downloaded the new songs from Sleeping from Sirens. Absolutely loving it!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Potato Soup with Sausage

• Wednesday - Parmesan Tilapia

• Thursday - Black Bean Soup; Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Friday - Spinach and Artichoke Melts; Grilled Cheese

• Saturday - Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I have some random tasks that need to get done as well as finalize the plan for this week’s coop and science experiments.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home school day

• Tuesday - Zoo Day; Grocery

• Wednesday - Science

• Thursday - Coop; Art Class

• Friday - Home school day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Book Club Zoom

What I am creating: I finished June’s Memory Planner pages yesterday. Here’s hoping to be able to work on the July pages today.

My simple pleasures:

Looking around the house:

From the camera: Arthur made me take screenshots of his Minecraft zoo.

Life Right Now #23

As I look outside my window: The air is a bit hazy but not quite as bright as it was yesterday. It’s still going to be hot today but slightly less than the over 100 degree temperatures of yesterday.

Right now I am: Getting to breakfast and my book fairly late as I slept in a bit. Very tiring week!

Thinking and pondering: Do I have enough supplies for coop this week? We are having a great turnout for our free, open house meetings, but that also means more supplies. I think I have enough, but I did order more sand and lava rocks just in case. (We’re making sedimentary rocks as one of the activities for the geology unit.)

On my bedside table: Hide by Kiersten White (super excited by this one); Lore Olympus Vol. 2; The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

On my tv this week: J and I are finally getting through The Umbrella Academy S3 (two episodes left!) and keeping up with Loot and What We Do in the Shadows. On Friday, the family watched Lightyear for our pizza and movie night. It was a decent kids’ movie.

Listening to: Catching up on my currently publishing podcasts. We did listen to an Eons episode on the way to art class on Thursday afternoon. That may become a routine.

On the menu for this week: Goodness! My meal plan is all out of sorts for the week ahead. Guess I will be tackling that after brunch…

On my to do list: I’ve got a ton of little computer-based tasks to take care of. I imagine finding new doctor for the kids is going to be the long, complicated one to finish.

Happening this week:

• Monday - School Day

• Tuesday - Schramm Geologic Field Trip; Trivia Night

• Wednesday - School Day; Science Class

• Thursday - Coop; Art Class; Library Book Bash (virtual)

• Friday - School Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Currently Reading Zoom Discussion of The Lincoln Highway

What I am creating: Nothing much at the moment, although my June and July Memory Planner pages are on my desk waiting for me. If only it wasn’t so hot upstairs in the afternoon.

My simple pleasures: A cold shower (seriously, it’s so hot!), seeing friends, sorbet (for us lactose-challenged folks)

Looking around the house: Even with a full week of schooling, the house doesn’t look bad. I need to pick up the living room, but that’s mostly coop supplies that are being organized.

From the camera: Our apple taste test was a last minute change to the curriculum but definitely worthwhile. I liked the Cosmic Crisp, Arthur liked the Fuji, and Quentin like the Gala.

Life Right Now #22

On my bedside table: Hmm… I don’t know what I want to read next.

On my tv this week: I finally finished Stranger Things S4. My mom and I started watching Below Deck Down Under and I’m really enjoying that season. She also had me watch Southern Charm and Tall Girl randomly.

Listening to: I listened to an entire audiobook on the way to Indiana. I’ve got another one on tap for going back home. We’ll see how much I get read on the way.

On the menu for this week: We’re still gone through Wednesday, but then I’ll have to eventually make a meal plan.

On my to do list: I need to review my student loan settings and pick a new doctor. I hate dealing with loans and insurance. It’s the worst.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Indianapolis Children’s Museum (seriously that place is amazing!)

• Tuesday - Indianapolis Zoo

• Wednesday - Peoria Zoo; Drive home

• Thursday - Home recovery day

• Friday - Park day (I need to pick a place)

• Saturday - Friend’s Going Away Party

• Sunday - Currently Reading Zoom Book Club

What I am creating: I brought my Memory Planner pages to Indiana and hope to knock out April and May while I’m still traveling.

My simple pleasures: A few quiet moments

Looking around the house: Well, I’m not home, so no house issues for me.

From the camera: Enjoying the hotel pool

Life Right Now #21

As I look outside my window: Slightly cooler temps and a breeze are greatly appreciated.

Right now I am: Getting reading to sit down and finish my current read, The Minor Third by Neil Patrick Harris before I need to make brunch.

On my bedside table: So many choices! I’m actually trying to narrow down my stack for what I want to haul to Indiana with me on Monday. I’m thinking Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots, The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates, 100 Essential American Poems edited by Leslie M. Pockell, The Electricity of Every Living Thing by Katherine May, and Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki. Plus I’ve got four audiobooks downloaded for driving time and I will take my iPad with all the Kindle books.

On my tv this week: We finished this season of The Boys and I’m a bit disappointed that they didn’t go where I thought they would. We have been getting through Stranger Things S4, but won’t be finished before I leave on Monday.

Listening to: Mostly a big shuffle of music from my Apple Music app.

On the menu for this week: No menu as we will be in Indiana all week.

On my to do list: After a quiet morning, I need to do one last library run before our trip. And my biggest to do is obviously to finish packing.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Travel Day

• Tuesday - Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City; Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan; Travel

• Wednesday - Sunday - Fort Wayne

What I am creating: Mostly piles for packing, but also some curriculum plans.

My simple pleasures: Good books, packing ahead of time

Looking around the house: It’s laundry day! To prepare for our trip tomorrow, I have four loads of laundry to do today. Then I get to pack all of our clothes. Fun fun.

From the camera: Seems like it was weeks ago, but we did have a lovely Fourth of July with friends this past Monday.

Life Right Now #20

As I look outside my window: It’s weird overcast outside Probably because of all the fireworks from last night.

Right now I am: Surveying the living room and mentally prepping for a whirlwind clean of the house.

Thinking and pondering: About a few potential issues in coop this fall. How exactly do I want to handle them?

On my bedside table: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas; A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow; Into the Windwracked Wilds by A. Deborah Baker (lots of fantasy reads for my July).

On my tv this week: Not much. I was gone multiple nights this past week. We did catch with The Boys and Loot.

Listening to: Lots of Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, Asking Alexandria, and Nothing More. Apparently I needed some metal in my life this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cookout

• Tuesday - Orecchiette with Sundried Tomatoes and Broccoli

• Wednesday - Out to Dinner

• Thursday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

• Friday - Parmesan Tilapia

• Saturday - Mongolian Beef; Miso Soup

• Sunday - Bean and Cheese Taquitos

On my to do list: Obviously I need to clean the house. I also want to finish setting up coop stuff for the fall (planning to open enrollment on July 5th). I would love to make final Indiana plans or not.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Fourth of July with friends

• Tuesday - Groceries; Library; Possible Durham Visit

• Wednesday - Splash Pad Morning; Book Club

• Thursday - Library Book Sale; Lit Society

• Friday - Park Day?

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day; Zoom Book Club

What I am creating: Nothing currently, although I would love to get back into my MP pages. I do a little bit at the retreat, but did not finish May at all.

My simple pleasures: Cool breezes, hard seltzer, a decent night’s rest.

Looking around the house: Such a mess right now. The boys have a lot of picking up to do so I can vacuum and sweep.

From the camera: Somedays they actually like each other.

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: It’s very hazy out right now. Hot and humid means that I’m not going to be reading outside this morning.

Right now I am: In between reading my book and getting back to lesson planning for August.

On my bedside table: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens; Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

On my tv this week: J and I have been watching Obi-Wan Kenobi as well as Haley Moley (our silly show). I am almost finished with S1 of Love Life and slowly working my way through S1 of Sex Education.

Listening to: Big shuffle of my Apple Music. Really I just love the random right now.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Tuesday - Spicy Thai Noodles

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Sweet Potato, Black Bean, Quinoa, Shrimp Bowls

• Friday - Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Basil

• Saturday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Sunday - Mediterranean Orzo Salad

On my to do list: Today I need to to take care of the all the laundry as well as finishing up some retreat tasks. My big to-do is wrapping up most of the geology unit for August. It’s a big production to create a unit directly from scratch.

Happening this week: Arthur has camp at Metro every morning from 9-noon, so we need to drop him off and pick him up each day.

• Monday - Grocery

• Tuesday - Splash pad visit morning; Library Choose Your Own Adventure game

• Wednesday - Library

• Thursday - Splash pad visit afternoon

• Friday - Home day; Lit Society

• Saturday - Home day

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: I’m putting the finishing touches on the retreat itinerary and games.

My simple pleasures: Strong coffee, finishing a particularly hard puzzle

Looking around the house: Meh. I’m very ambivalent about the state of the house right now. I’m putting together a plan to redo the playroom to make it more of a homeschool space, so right now there’s stuff everywhere. Hopefully I can get that all done before leaving for Indiana in mid-July.

From the camera: Putting together our summer bucket list

Life Right Now #18

As I look outside my window: it’s bright and sunny this morning, but I know that the rains are going to roll in later

Right now I am: Taking a moment to read my book before we head out to the coop’s first book club meeting.

On my bedside table: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens; The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

On my tv this week: J and I started Obi-Wan Kenobi and continued watching S2 of The Great.

Listening to: Mostly just a big shuffle of all the songs in my Apple Music/

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Pizza Sliders

• Tuesday - Chicken Shawarma Fries

• Wednesday - Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Saturday - Artichoke Pasta

• Sunday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos

On my to do list: While there are many things on my big list, I’m spending most of this week finalizing the retreat details.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Bellevue Berry Farm strawberry picking

• Tuesday - Home day; Library author zoom

• Wednesday - Zoo Day

• Thursday - Park playdate

• Friday - Home day

• Saturday - Home day; D&D

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Beyond the retreat tasks, I’m not creating much of anything. I’m really hoping to get my Memory Planner pages started before leaving for the retreat.

My simple pleasures: Iced coffee, good puzzles, amazing books

Looking around the house: Meh. It’s not amazing, but not terrible right now.

From the camera: We took some time this weekend to puzzle. We finished this one and started another one.