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

Life Right Now #26

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Ham and Potato Soup
Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Wednesday -Tacos and Black Bean Soup
Thursday - Apple Bacon Sweet Potatoes
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Peanut Sauce Chicken
Sunday - BLT Grilled Cheese

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Zoo Day
Wednesday - Park Day
Thursday - Academic Co-op
Friday - Field Trip to Morrill Hall
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Home Day

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

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

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

From the camera: Loving our Halloween season!

Life Right Now #25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Vala’s (maybe)
Tuesday -Vala’s Campfire Night
Wednesday - Book Club
Thursday - Co-op; Halloween!
Friday - Rock and Fossil Exploration
Saturday - Co-op Kid Book Club
Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Mostly just lesson plans.

My simple pleasures: Sleep…. that’s it

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

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

Life Right Now #24

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

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

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

On my bedside table: All the fall spooky books!

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Tuesday - Potato Leek Soup
Wednesday - Mongolian Beef
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice
Saturday - Green Chili and Pepper Jack Enchiladas
Sunday - Kielbasa Skillet

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Nat Geo Volcanoes event at the Holland
Tuesday - Home Day
Wednesday - Vala’s
Thursday - Academic Co-op Starts
Friday - Heron Haven Hike; Luminarium Visit
Saturday - Arthur art class at The Joslyn
Sunday - Home Day

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

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

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

From the camera: Another fun Junkstock with a friend.

Life Right Now #23

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Me out at book club
Tuesday - BBQ Chicken
Wednesday - Jerk Fish Chowder
Thursday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Sunday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Vala’s! Potentially book club
Tuesday - Zoo Day; Meeting with a friend
Wednesday - Vala’s!
Thursday - Last Enrichment Co-op of 2024
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Arthur art class at Joslyn; Junkstock with a friend
Sunday - Home Day

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

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

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

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

Life Right Now #22

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chili and Cornbread
Tuesday - Snack Dinner
Wednesday - Chicken Ranch Tacos
Thursday - Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Friday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
Saturday - Beef Stew
Sunday - Caprese and Avocado Toast

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - First Vala’s Visit of the Season! Co-op Happy Hour
Wednesday - First Joslyn Art Museum Visit since they reopened (after being closed for two years!)
Thursday - Co-op
Friday - Ditmar’s Apple Orchard Day
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Co-op Steering Committee Meeting; Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club meeting

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

My simple pleasures: Cucumber Melon Sparkling Water, Fall Flavors

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

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

Life Right Now #21

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

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

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

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

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

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Tuesday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Chicken Tangine
Friday - Sloppy Joes
Saturday - Seafood Stew
Sunday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

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

Happening this week:

Monday - School Picture Day
Tuesday - Luminarium
Wednesday - Car Appointment
Thursday - Coop
Friday - Nature Hike
Saturday - Home Day
Sunday - Breakfast Club

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

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze, spooky books

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

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

Life Right Now #20

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

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

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

Listening to: Just a huge music mix at the moment

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Out at book club
Tuesday - Out at book club
Wednesday - Loaded sweet potato nachos
Thursday - Spring green spaghetti carbonara
Friday - Out?
Saturday - Mexican street corn totchos
Sunday - Ginger glazed pork chops with Brussels sprout

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

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day
Tuesday - Lewis and Clark Landing; Luminarium
Wednesday - Pokemon Club
Thursday - Co-op
Friday - Hike at Schramm; Luminarium evening with J
Saturday - Home
Sunday - Home

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

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

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

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