Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny yet again. And the temperature is supposed to climb. I’m staying indoors today.

Right now I am: Figuring out what to make for brunch. I really have no idea. I was supposed to buy cinnamon rolls at the store and completely forgot. Guess I need a Plan B.

On my bedside table: Lots more manga; the new Abby Jimenez and the new Emily Henry.

On my tv this week: J and I have been watching our currently airing shows (Doctor Who, Welcome to Wrexham, Clarkson’s Farm). I also finished watching All of Us are Dead and this season of Below Deck: Down Under.

Listening to: All the Stray Kids music of course.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Out at Book Club
Tuesday - Jerk Pork
Wednesday - Firecracker Chicken
Thursday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Honey Lime Chicken
Sunday - Gochujang Pasta Alfredo

On my to do list: I need to work on the Iowa trip plan. We’ve got some ideas, but need to finalize our itinerary.

Happening this week:

Monday - Strawberry Picking; Book Club
Tuesday - Home Day (We were supposed to have a pool day but the weather is going to be cold and rainy)
Wednesday - Home Day
Thursday - Enrichment Co-op
Friday - Heron Haven Hike
Saturday - Co-op Book Club
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much. Although maybe I can work on my Memory Planner today.

My simple pleasures: Music, silly videos, finishing a television series

Looking around the house: I did a quick pick up yesterday and feeling a lot better about the state of the house. I do want to vacuum the upstairs today and feel a bit better.

From the camera: Some pics from Thursday night. Drinks and beautiful weather at a local brewery while the boys were at the homeschool dance.

Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: It’s dreary today. Fits my mood I think.

Right now I am: Not wanting to make brunch. Maybe I will send J out for something…

On my bedside table: Mostly manga, although I did just get Emily Henry’s new book from the library. And I need to read the retreat book selection.

On my tv this week: J and I started watching S2 of Andor and S4 of Welcome to Wrexham and continued S1 of Murderbot along with some of our regular rotation shows. I started watching All of Us are Dead and Goblin with J was at a movie.

Listening to: K-pop all the time

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
Tuesday - Kimchi Jjigae
Wednesday - Grill Night
Thursday - Snack Dinner/Leftovers
Friday - Firecracker Chicken
Saturday - Spicy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sunday - Italian Beef Sandwiches?

On my to do list: Retreat tasks (finish some logistics, update grocery list, etc), Field Day tasks (make teams, write out instructions, check in with my cohost), Enrich Co-op tasks (update Session B registrants, finalize W9-10 lesson plans, brainstorm Session B lessons), Homeschool tasks (start planning out next year), Read my library book

Happening this week: A lighter week after a few busy ones.

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Home Day
Wednesday - Park Playdate
Thursday - Co-op Field Day; Homeschool Dance
Friday - Co-op Parent Info Meeting
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I want to work on my May Memory Planner today. At least I want to get the photos printed and staged.

My simple pleasures: Stray Kids, good books, good sleep, not 90 degree temperatures

Looking around the house: The retreat pile in my breakfast area is growing. Getting closer and closer and staging all our supplies makes a pile. Otherwise the house is in good shape this week.

From the camera: Baby pygmy hippo! She’s so cute!

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny although we are supposed to get rain later.

Right now I am: Smelling the banana bread that’s almost done baking.

Thinking and pondering: Why am I feeling so incredibly tired this week?

On my bedside table: Lots more horror manga, plus Water Moon and Enchantra.

On my tv this week: We started watching the new season of Wrexham and started Murderbot along with watching the usual shows.

Listening to: K-pop, what else?

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Pizza Pull Aparts
Tuesday - Peanut Sauce Chicken, Broccoli, nd Rice
Wednesday - Kimchi Jigae
Thursday - Snack Dinner (Happy Hour)
Friday - Spicy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Saturday - Fettuccine Alfredo
Sunday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

On my to do list: Mostly just preparing for the week, but I do need to do a ton of laundry. It’s time to deep clean the towels and sheets…

Happening this week:

Monday - Curriculum Swap
Tuesday - Zoo Day
Wednesday - Enrichment Parent Information Meeting
Thursday - Enrichment Co-op; Co-op Happy Hour
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Enrichment Parent Information Meeting

What I am creating: I’m deep into retreat book recommendations. I’m hoping to finalize those today and then I can create the itinerary.

My simple pleasures: Fresh banana bread, soapy dramas that hit the spot, apple fritters, a good night’s sleep

Looking around the house: I need to pick up some random things on the main floor to prep for curriculum swap tomorrow. Otherwise, I’m okay with it.

From the camera: Hello Bison!

Life Right Now #13

Right now I am: Getting ready to make brunch. Before then, I am hoping to get a bit of reading in.

Thinking and pondering: When will people actually do what I requested? I would really love to get some retreat tasks taken care of, but I need their responses first.

On my bedside table: The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis; more manga

On my tv this week: Once we got back home, we restarted our currently airing shows. We watched some Doctor Who, Leverage, Last Week Tonight, Game Changer, and Mythic Quest. I also restarted my Stray Kids content.

Listening to: All the K-pop. Mostly Stray Kids and ATEEZ, but also some other bands.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachoes
Tuesday - Burritos
Wednesday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf
Thursday - Honey Lime Jalapeño Chicken
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Pizza Sliders
Sunday - Beef Tips

On my to do list: Too many tasks I am sure. And yet, I need to do a brain dump today to help organize my thoughts.

Happening this week:

Monday - Dropping the van off for work
Tuesday - Fontenelle Forest Playdate
Wednesday - Joslyn Art Explorer
Thursday - Enrichment Co-op
Friday - Wildlife Safari
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends

What I am creating: I’m starting to put together the goody bags for the retreat.

My simple pleasures: K-pop, new Stray Kids music, tangerines, iced coffee

Looking around the house: I should probably vacuum upstairs today.

From the camera: Silly boys in the car.

Life Right Now #12

On my bedside table: The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

On my tv this week: I’m slowly making my way through Crash Landing on You and it’s absolutely addictive.

Listening to: K-pop, all the K-pop

On the menu for this week: No idea. I do need to meal plan for May while here.

On my to do list: Taking a break while in Indiana. But I am trying to finish out some retreat tasks while here.

Happening this week: We will be in Indiana until Wednesday… not sure of the rest of our plans while here.

What I am creating: I brought my Memory Planner pages for April to work on while in Indiana. Hoping to find some time to get them done.

My simple pleasures: A good audiobook, an easy drive across country, margaritas

Looking around the house: We are currently not at home, but I hope that J actually cleans out the guest bedroom while I’m gone.

From the camera: Congrats to Alexander for graduating college!

Life Right Now #11

As I look outside my window: It’s a dreary day out there.

Right now I am: Making meatballs for tonight’s spaghetti.

Thinking and pondering: What clothes should I pack for me? The weather is going to be all over the place while we are in Indiana.

On my bedside table: I have a stack of Japanese horror manga just waiting to be read. Plus I have the retreat book selections ready to read next.

On my tv this week: Mostly a lot of Stray Kids content. J and I watched a few of our usual shows, but nothing overly exciting.

Listening to: Lots of KPop… that’s about it.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Teriyaki Chicken
Tuesday - Blackened Salmon
Wednesday - Travel Day
Thursday - Travel Day
Friday - Indiana
Saturday - Indiana
Sunday - Indiana

On my to do list: I need to finish packing for Indiana. Mostly I just need to do my clothes. I also want to vacuum the house and get some random piles picked up to leave the house in a decent shape.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Home Day
Wednesday - Travel Day
Thursday - Chicago Day
Friday - Indiana
Saturday - Alex’s Graduation
Sunday - Indiana

What I am creating: Nothing right this second. I have to finish getting ready to travel to Indiana.

My simple pleasures: Stray Kids, New-to-me television shows, that after picking up a room feeling of peace

Looking around the house: Speaking of the house, I have a few tasks I want to finish before Wednesday so I can come home to a put together house.

From the camera: I found our wine (the club we have belonged to for over a decade) at Target the other day. Didn’t buy any because why would I? But it was still fun to see it outside of California.

Life Right Now #10

As I look outside my window: It’s fairly sunny outside but the wind is still pretty high.

Right now I am: Winding down the day… and deciding which television show to watch.

On my bedside table: All the manga still

On my tv this week: We watched a few movies and continued all our usual shows. For me, I am now in late 2019 with Stray Kids content. Making my way through all the shows.

Listening to: I’m still all about my Stray Kids, but have branched out to other Kpop artists. I downloaded a few girl groups like Blackpink, Babymonster, Twice, and Aespa. I’m enjoying the more edgy stuff and less the poppy stuff.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chicken Tikka Masala
Tuesday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice
Wednesday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Thursday - Green Chile and Pepper Jack Enchiladas
Friday - Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls
Saturday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Sunday - Bourbon Steak

On my to do list: I imagine that I have a ton of admin tasks for co-op. But the most pressing tasks are to finish planning our Indiana trip and planning the co-op Field Day.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Acorn Acres Playdate
Wednesday - Joslyn Art Explorers
Thursday - Enrichment Co-op
Friday - Platte River State Park Hike
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I want to finish my March Memory Planner pages and get started on the Retreat Nametags.

My simple pleasures: Coffee, sleep, Stray Kids

From the camera: Schramm looks very different right now with the tree thinning and restoration process. But it was still so beautiful.

Life Right Now #9

As I look outside my window: It’s chilly but sunny today. Unfortunately, I am absolutely exhausted.

Right now I am: Deep into Stray Kids content from 2018…

On my bedside table: All the manga still, plus Sweet Obsession, Kinky History, and Everything is Tuberculosis.

On my tv this week: Along with our regular television shows, I’ve been watching a ton of Stray Kids past content. I decided to go chronologically with my viewing. I’m nearing the end of the 2018…

Listening to: All the Stray Kids

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chicken Ranch Tacos and Black Bean Soup
Tuesday - Tuscan Kale and White Bean Soup
Wednesday - Out for Book Club
Thursday - Chicken Tikka Masala
Friday - Chili Verde
Saturday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Sunday - Huevos Rancheros

On my to do list: I imagine a ton of things, but as I didn’t really sleep last night, I’m ignoring most of my tasks in favor of things that are going to make me happy: reading, Stray Kids, KPop, coffee, and maybe some crafting.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Zoo Day
Wednesday - Book Club
Thursday - Enrichment Co-op; Academic Co-op Debrief
Friday - Schramm Hike
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Hopefully I can get to my March Memory Planner pages this afternoon. We’ll see where I get…

My simple pleasures: Sleep would be nice

Looking around the house: Meh it’s fine…

From the camera: My new keychain! Wolfchan wearing the God’s Menu outfit!

Life Right Now #8

As I look outside my window: Another pretty gloomy day…

Right now I am: Making my big brain dump to-do list. Haven’t done one of these for awhile.

Thinking and pondering: Which project should I work on today? Maybe the retreat tasks?

On my bedside table: All the manga. My reading is still a bit broken, so I’m focused on manga series to keep me going.

On my tv this week: Beyond finishing Dimension 20 S1 with J, I consumed a ton of Stray Kids content. I went and found the Survival Show and watched the entire thing.

Listening to: Stray Kids only

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Grilled Cheese
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken
Thursday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Crab Coconut Curry
Sunday - Salmon

On my to do list: So many tasks, mostly admin task the homeschool groups and updating records and such. But I also need to just clean out some piles of random crap and get my April curriculum in a better order.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Lincoln Day
Wednesday - Platte River State Park hike
Thursday - Enrichment Co-op
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Co-op Book Club
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Maybe name tags for the retreat…

My simple pleasures: Stray Kids everything, pumpkin spice faux lattes

Looking around the house: I took care of some random piles in the living room so that looks much nicer. And the laundry is put away, which means it’s time to do more laundry.

From the camera: I was terrible at taking photos this week. Thankfully Arthur grabbed some great shots at Heron Haven on Friday.

Life Right Now #7

As I look outside my window: We’re alternating between sunshine and clouds with a lot of wind. Just a normal spring day here in the Midwest.

Right now I am: Mentally preparing to go and make some scones.

On my bedside table: All the manga series I want to read/are reading… plus all my unread shelf books I guess.

On my tv this week: We’re mostly been watching Dimension 20, but also lots of Um Actually and a few episodes of Alice in Borderland.

Listening to: All Stray Kids all the time.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Parmesan Tilapia
Tuesday - Me out at book club
Wednesday - Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Thursday - J’s birthday dinner
Friday - Broccoli Beef
Saturday - Kimchi Stew
Sunday - Pot Roast

On my to do list: I have a ton of homeschool co-op admin tasks this week. I also want to finish planning our Indiana trip for the end of April. And I should probably catch up on my blog drafts.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Book Club
Wednesday - Coffee with potential co-op member
Thursday - Enrichment Kick-off Playdate; J’s Birthday
Friday - Nature Hike
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I should focus on my Memory Planner, but not sure when that’s going to happen.

My simple pleasures: A good night’s sleep, new Stray Kids music (seriously so excited! Escape is a masterpiece), new fun graphic tees

Looking around the house: I did a big pickup yesterday so we’re in good shape. I would like to work on the curriculum piles in my office, but not sure when that’s going to happen.

From the camera: Very few photos this week…

Life Right Now #6

As I look outside my window: It’s been a rainy weekend here. A storm rolled in on Friday night and the clouds stuck around. We definitely need the rain, but I could do without the high winds.

Right now I am: Deciding what to make for brunch. Maybe I’ll make scones… lemon poppy seed and/or ham and cheddar.

On my bedside table: All the manga! Seriously, I have most of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Jujutsu Kaisen sitting here. I’m missing a few volumes yet from the library and don’t want to dive in until I get them. So it looks like the second half of March will be all comics and manga.

On my tv this week: J and I watched multiple episodes of S1 of Dimension 20. We’re getting closer to the end of that campaign. I also caught up with my Below Deck and The Bachelor.

Listening to: All Stray Kids all the time!

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Parmesan Tilapia
Tuesday - Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup
Wednesday - Me Out
Thursday - Snack Dinner
Friday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Saturday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo
Sunday - Broccoli Beef

On my to do list: I have a ton of homeschool tasks for today. The biggest is making a video for the social co-op about our clarifying of expectations and rules.

Happening this week:

Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday - Joslyn Art Museum; Book Club
Thursday - Academic Co-op (Last Week!); Co-op Happy Hour
Friday - Board Game Club
Saturday - Cookout with Friends
Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Discussion

What I am creating: I would like to work on my February Memory Planner. And maybe start laying out the bookish retreat name tags.

My simple pleasures: Coffee, kids who listen to me, eating lunch outside

Looking around the house: I need to do a general pickup and I probably have a ton of laundry to do. But I’ll get there.

From the camera: Thursday we dropped the boys off at the homeschool dance and went to dinner! A proper adult dinner to celebrate both of our birthdays. It was so good! I got the duck and J got the salmon.

Life Right Now #5

On my bedside table: No idea yet… I’m currently reading five books, so I should finish those first. And I did start War and Peace, which will take me months to finish I imagine.

On my tv this week: We started watching Alice in Borderland. I finished the manga series last week, so it was finally time! We also just continued our usual shows.

Listening to: All the Stray Kids. It’s the only thing that making me happy right now.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Monterrey Chicken Skillet
Tuesday - Chicken and Corn Stew
Wednesday - Birthday Dinner Out
Thursday - Fiesta Chicken and Rice
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Shrimp Gumbo
Sunday - Chili

On my to do list: Mostly I’m working on administrative tasks for co-op and the bookish retreat.

Happening this week:

Monday - Parent Meeting
Tuesday - Dentist Cleaning; Book Club
Wednesday - Parent Meeting and My Birthday!
Thursday - Academic Co-op
Friday - Glacier Creek Hike
Saturday - Secular Omaha Meeting
Sunday - Birthday Day Out

What I am creating: Nothing much.

My simple pleasures: A good night’s sleep, a good song with a good beat, hazelnut lattes

Looking around the house: I managed to get most of our travel stuff put away. I still need to get my clothes situated, but that’s an ongoing task.

From the camera: Proof that we were actually at Great Wolf Lodge earlier this week. It was the only picture I took there…

Life Right Now #4

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
Tuesday - Sesame Chicken
Wednesday - Italian Beef Sandwiches
Thursday - Fancy BLT Grilled Cheese
Friday - Kansas City Trip
Saturday - Kansas City Trip
Sunday - Kansas City Trip

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Dirty Book Month Book Club
Wednesday - Joslyn Art Explorers; Book Club
Thursday - Academic Co-op
Friday - Kansas City Trip
Saturday - Kansas City Trip
Sunday - Kansas City Trip

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

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

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

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

Life Right Now #3

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Sesame Chicken
Tuesday - Snack Dinner
Wednesday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip (with Buffalo Chicken Strips this time)
Thursday - Shrimp Lo Mein
Friday - Spaghetti
Saturday - Chicken Tagine
Sunday - Scallops Salad

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Kid Birthday Party
Tuesday - Parent Info Meetings (lunch at the food court and evening at home)
Wednesday - Home Day
Thursday - Academic Co-op
Friday - Bowling Party for Valentine’s Day
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

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

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

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

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

Life Right Now #2

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Tuesday - Baked Potato Soup
Wednesday - Kimchi Stew with Tuna
Thursday - Rueben Pigs in a Blanket
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Sunday - Leftovers

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Zoo Day; Dentist Appt (my permanent crown)
Wednesday - Luminarium visit (before our membership expires)
Thursday - Academic Co-op
Friday - Nature hike at OPPD Arboretum; playdate at a friend’s house
Saturday - Parent Info Meeting
Sunday - Co-op Book Club

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

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

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

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

Life Right Now #1

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Kofta Patty Pitas
Tuesday - Black Bean Soup
Wednesday - Texas Cheese Fries
Thursday - Snack Dinner
Friday - Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls
Saturday - Burritos
Sunday - Prosciutto and Fig Pizzas

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Hopefully a dentist appointment
Tuesday - Home day
Wednesday - Joslyn Art Museum
Thursday - Academic Co-op; Co-op Happy Hour
Friday -Fontenelle Forest Hike; Board Game Club
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club

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

My simple pleasures: Iced tea, cheesecake, propulsive reads

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

From the camera: A entire week with no pictures…

Life Right Now #30

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

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

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chili
Tuesday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Wednesday - Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli
Thursday - Sloppy Joes
Friday - Chickpea Stew
Saturday - Snack Dinner
Sunday - Chicken Tikka Masala

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Another car repair estimate; Reindeer at Mulhalls
Tuesday - Dentist appointment; Book Club
Wednesday - Homeschool in the Hills
Thursday - Academic Co-op (Last week!)
Friday - The Nutcracker Ballet @ The Orpheum
Saturday - Academic Co-op Working Meeting; Book Club Book and Bottle Exchange
Sunday - Home Day (Packing time!)

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

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

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

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

Life Right Now #29

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Hummus Bowls with Spiced Beef
Tuesday - Cider Braised Chicken Thighs
Wednesday - BLT Pasta
Thursday - Thanksgiving! By ourselves this year, but we’re eating all the usual goodies.
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Honey Lime Tilapia
Sunday - Beef and Barley Stew

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Co-op Meet and Greet at Westroads; Bookworms Book Club
Wednesday - Home Day
Thursday -Thanksgiving
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

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

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

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

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

Life Right Now #28

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

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Pot Roast
Tuesday - Snack Dinner
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Cod with Hoisin Sauce
Friday - Hawaiian Pork Nachos
Saturday - Pomegranate Chicken
Sunday - Vegetable Beef Soup

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Sketchbook Hang; Co-op Happy Hour
Wednesday - Home Day
Thursday -Academic Co-op; Fall Homeschool Dance
Friday - Fontenelle Forest Hike
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Breakfast Club

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

My simple pleasures: Chocolate cake, video game time

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

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

Life Right Now #27

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Peanut Sauce Chicken Bowls
Tuesday - Shrimp Lo Mein
Wednesday - Chicken and Noodles
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
Friday - Thai Red Curry
Saturday - Quentin Pick
Sunday - Pot Roast

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Home day
Tuesday - Home day
Wednesday - Joslyn Art Explorers
Thursday - Academic Co-op
Friday - Platte River Hike
Saturday - Arthur at a Friend’s Birthday Sleepover
Sunday - Home day

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

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

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

From the camera: Fascinating gypsum sand crystals from Morrill Hall