Friday, August 18, 2023

Thank you all so much for your support and kind words about my district bus mess and about my 30th year – if it ever gets off the ground! So, here’s the latest…

Friday there was a press conference where we were told that the goal was to go back to school mid-week this week. Saturday we were told that Monday would be a day off for teachers and students – which worked well for me after a busy weekend! Tuesday would be a teacher work day. Then, I think it was Monday that they announced that elementary and middle would start Friday (today) and high would start Monday and that the rest of the week (this past Wednesday through today) would be teacher work days. I had quite a bit of time in my room to continue planning/working ahead, but lot of meetings and busy work were manufactured.

Y’all my head is spinning! I’ve told a lot of people that I hope I haven’t lost momentum for my actual job when the students come Monday!

I will be watching the news today and tonight to see how the bus situation was improved for elementary and middle, but I pray for no more changes. You can look at it like August 21st is a much more acceptable date to start school than August 9th, right? Ha!

My post was messed up yesterday – sorry. I went back and finished writing and then it didn’t save.

So, let’s dive into some favorites, because in all of this, there have been many things!

First, I received this last week – wow! I can’t believe I have had that many words. It’s hard to explain how blogging has enriched my life. Not only have I learned so much from reading blogs and developing friendships, but I think writing a blog has helped me to make more of my weekends so I have things to talk about! Does that make sense?

I am notoriously bad with learning all the functions with my appliances and electronics. I have learned how amazing this feature is, though – do you have “Steam Fresh” on your dryer? You can put a super wrinkly item in and it comes out wrinkle free. For most things it takes about 3 minutes but I did put one garment in and it took 8 minutes? I think it has a way of determining the weight of the garment or some other voodoo. Try it if you have it!

You know how much I love popcorn and love making my own with raw kernels in my microwave popper and then adding my own butter spray and salt, right? The friend of my bestie’s daughter brought this on our road trip and it’s already in my next grocery order. Have you tried it?

We had our dining room rug from Pottery Barn for 23 years and it needed to go. I ordered this one and I am so happy with it. I just go to Savieh brand for rugs now because I love them. I think I now have 5 in my house. Ignore the computer mess and the tablecloth that is not on correctly. I also am still loving my new floral arrangement holder.

We had to get a new faucet this weekend and I love it. It makes me realize how bad our old one was. Tom can do everything. I helped him with some of the instructions.

I sadly finished this cute story. I think it is now my favorite Sarah Adams. If you want a well-written chick lit book that isn’t too risqué, check her out. I have another of hers on hold at the library.

I started this and it’s really cute already.

I had my nieces over once a week every summer and I often have Facebook memories pop up. I tried to always have a project and in this photo we are making slime.

They played so well together. I usually did a couple of activities or we baked something. We did the Mentos in the 2 liter Coke, make donuts out of biscuits, and other things like that. Then, I remember they started playing “post office” and had fun for hours with envelopes and stickers and stuff like that. The nieces are now both nurses. One is one year older than my twins and the other is three years older than my twins.

I thought this was so funny. I love talking to my stylist and I think have been going to her for over 10 years – maybe longer:

I met my sister in law (mom of the nieces above) for some sushi Monday night and it was fun!

I got a new polish at Walgreens – Taupe-less Beach:

Light colors are definitely more forgiving. My best tips are to do two really thin coats and not get too close to the cuticle. Then, use a top coat. Re-apply the top coat if you want to. Oh, and sit at a table where you can lay your hands flat.

And, my last favorite was getting to try a new place with my friend Beth. I discovered there was a plant shop/cocktail bar on my favorite street! It is called Pretty Decent Bar and they have reasonable plant prices, creative cocktails, and a few bar snacks.

It’s totally my vibe! The atmosphere and the company were perfect. Beth is one of my friends who sent a kid off to college, so we put this on the calendar for her to have lots of fun to look forward to.

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

30 thoughts on “Friday Favorites”

  1. These are wonderful favorites! I had a lot of favorites this week, my boys and I headed to a wildlife sanctuary with family, Alec got his senior portraits done, we went out for ice cream with my mother in law, my mom and I joined a gym & we’re planning a trip to go see my sisters this fall. I sure hope everything works out with the bussing and you get to start school on Monday!

    Like

    Reply

  2. Congratulations on 1337 posts! The plant shop/cocktail bar looks pretty amazing. What a great combination. I do hope the bus situation gets sorted out. I know what you mean about losing momentum with all the upheaval. Have a great weekend!

    Like

    Reply

  3. Congratulations on your many blog posts! And hope your schedule gets straightened out by next week. My son and daughter-in-law are here for a visit so that is my favorite thing. We’ll have a fun weekend with lots of pool time and great food/wine! Have a fun weekend–

    Like

    Reply

  4. Oh man, I cannot believe the bus thing is still a thing! UGH. I feel so badly for everyone.
    I like your new nail polish and rug. How cool that you have had all those posts – quite a milestone!
    I hope you have a great weekend!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    Like

    Reply

    1. Right? I’m looking at the extra time as a gift with my kids. Thank you! I have had lots to say I guess. Good luck getting your son moved – I know it will be bittersweet but it makes me happy to know that they do come back to the nest during different stages.

      Like

      Reply

  5. Wow! 1337 posts! I enjoy reading each one so thanks for posting! I cannot believe start/stop/teacher workday/day off start to your year. I hope that today goes so smoothly for the elementary and middle schools so you can get started. I bet you won’t have lost your mojo once the kids are in your room! How wonderful that Tom is so handy and that you love your new faucet! I have seen that popcorn before and wondered if it was delicious. Now I’m going to add it to my grocery pick up too. Have a great weekend!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much! I know, right? I hope so, too. I need to be fresh and ready for the kids on Monday because they feel the same. I have polished my lessons and hope it runs smoothly.
      I hope you love the popcorn, too!

      Like

      Reply

  6. That plant shop cocktail bar is so cool. I am so sorrry about the bus situation. We need your year 30 to be smooth sailing. Pretty nails and cute book, I’m going to add Practice makes Perfect to my list now. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Like

    Reply

  7. Congrats on all your blog posts! And I’ve read them all! 😁
    I can absolutely understand that blogging makes you more aware of your experiences! I have a private diary on my phone (Daylio) and I try to take at least one good photo every day.
    So fingers crossed for Monday, right!?

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you! I have lots of words! Yes, you have, Swedish fan club prez. Oh nice – I love a photo diary, too.
      I think it’s happening. This gal has got to make sure she is ready. Good luck to you, too!

      Like

      Reply

  8. I love Taupeless Beach! That’s always one of my fall favorites. In spite of the derailment of the beginning of the school year, it looks like you like made the best out of things at work this week. I will pray for you, that you didn’t lose motivation and your “steam” for when your students arrive Monday. I hope nothing else changes! We had a similar situation as I mentioned, but ours was not that bad. They were able to get it under control here in a couple of days. I think a favorite for me this week was singing at the event Tuesday night, and yesterday.

    Todd is about to buy a motorcycle! He is taking a class all weekend long starting today, and will get his license updated next week, and will purchase a new -to-him bike soon. It’s something he’s always wanted, and honestly, I’d love to ride with him someday! It scares me a little to think of riding on one, but I know it’s something we will love to do together in the future. I am excited for a new hobby for him and for me as well, someday! We were on the phone a lot yesterday trying to sort through all these details, which is why yesterday was my favorite day of the week.

    I hope you have a great day, my friend!

    Like

    Reply

    1. It’s a great neutral. I made the best of it until I decided to take a day off Friday. I needed to do some things around the house and take care of some business and also take care of my mental health. I’m learning.
      Oh – I would be too scared now. I grew up with a fighter pilot Dad who had a motorcycle and he rode me around on it mainly in the neighborhood. I didn’t like when I was too big to sit in front of him and being behind him scared me. Eek! You are brave but it sounds like a fun adventure as a couple.

      Like

      Reply

  9. Ok sending you strength and a strong momentum as you welcome the kids this year! Such craziness but you got this Mama! Love that polish- so pretty for the fall. OPI is my fave brand. We saw Barbie again last night so my little one could see it and loved it even more so that was a fave this week!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you! I need it, girl! I hope so. I am already craving fall colors, but the temps will reach 100 this week. Oh, that’s great! I would like to see it again.

      Like

      Reply

  12. I picked up some of that Lesser Evil Popcorn while at the coast and Oh My Word. LOVE IT! Popcorn is definitely one of my love languages. I played in our first league team play on Wednesday, was LOW SCORER (92) for our team and my partner and I won our match by a landslide. I am so incredibly proud of myself as I have played alot of golf this summer and have taken lessons and really tried hard to improve. I think it is working. It is still hot as hades out here and I AM OVER IT. Truth be told I was over it in June HAHAHA. We are supposed to be cooling down by tomorrow or Sunday and praise Jesus. Have a great weekend!

    Like

    Reply

  13. I’m glad you are making the best of the bus situation. I know what you mean though about losing your momentum with the delay. The plant/cocktail bar looks like such a cool concept! Yea for a new rug and faucet.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I’m trying – so frustrating. Yup – I hope I can get it back on Monday. The teacher days just ruin me. They are so long and I’m not doing my “real job”. It is definitely.

      Like

      Reply

  15. Do all of these missed days of high school count against you, or do the kids in the lower grades count for your school year? I do hope you get to start Monday. I’ll bet the kids are ready, too.

    My hairstylist starts to ask the question, and then she remembers! But, I don’t think she remembers much of anything else.

    My week went well, for the most part. We’ve been talking about getting our flu/Covid shots. I know those will knock me out for a few days so I’m already dreading that. I also need to get the pneumonia shot. Not sure what to expect from that.

    I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    Like

    Reply

    1. We aren’t sure yet how they will do that. It could be a big mess – especially since teachers continued working their contracted days for the most part. We also have to make sure we hit the state number of days required for the kids. I know you get all this!
      Ha – same!
      Ugh – that stinks to have to start thinking about shots.
      You too!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment