Thursday, November 4, 2021

Anyone tired of hearing about my birthday yet? Ha! I will only talk about it a bit more… maybe?

I woke up to a very cold birthday day, but it was a personal day for me so I had slept in until almost 7:00!

I lit my candle, grabbed my favorite blanket, and had a leisurely morning reading my blogs and checking social media. It is always so fun to get texts and Facebook messages on your birthday.

Tom had also taken off because he has some days to burn this year and I invited him to hang out with me. I did give him a few hours off to go to the gym and to mess with the boat so we weren’t attached at the hip all day!

I did my nails.

I wore my new poncho from my sister in law.

Tom and I went to breakfast at Highland Morning.

Tom had just said the type on the menu was too small to read when I caught him in this photo.

I got a mimosa!

My food was very mediocre so I didn’t eat much. I had been here before and it was really good and I hate to say anything bad right now. I had planned to eat really bad on my birthday so I was mad I wasted my breakfast opportunity!

Then we went to the mall to buy my Kendra Scott piece and to shop at Athropologie.

I let Tom sit at the kiddie table to do a work email while I went in one of the stores. Tom likes to shop and he bought another pair of Lululemon work pants. Tom really likes their mens’ clothes. I don’t own a single thing. I tried on a pair of leggings that day and just didn’t think they were worth $128. They looked flattering, but no more so than my Amazon ones or my Costco Felina ones, you know? Correct me if I’m wrong. I also didn’t want to spend that much if my size might hopefully go down. If you are a Lulu lover, tell me what style you like and why you like them.

I decided on this KS piece and Tom bought it for me. It’s the top one. The bottom bar necklace is my twins’ birthday that my bff had made for me.

After the mall we were still full and I needed a rest so we went home and I read but couldn’t read outside because of the cold. I am really into this! Tom went to work on the winterizing of the boat.

He came home after a couple of hours and we got ready for dinner.

I put on my Spanx leggings from last year. They fit much better now and I think I didn’t like them very much last year because they run small? Here is my faux leather leggings post from last year! I gave my Aerie crackles to my sister because they are too big and I also gave her my Target Wild Fables. Now that these fit I just don’t see myself needing any others. I love my new Amazon purse and I have on my old vest, old blouse, and new Target Universal Thread boots that I decided to keep. I need a better black top for this outfit.

We headed to a new to us Spanish tapas restaurant called Barcelona Bistro.

It was super cute inside and we had to order off the QR code reader. I got a sangria.

We got olives,

pan con tomate (bread with tomato, olive oil, and salt),

spicy potatoes with aioli sauce,

chicken coated in potato chips,

empanadas,

and churros with chocolate for dessert.

I had the last piece of my cake. I did have a small sliver of cake Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and then it was gone. It was really, really good cake. I love cake!

And, then it was a bit of tv, shower, and an early bedtime for school the next day.

It was a nice day!

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Instead of just my usual WIWW (What I Wore Wednesday) post, I thought I would touch on a topic that I have been thinking a lot about lately. I will have a few outfits at the end of the post, too!

As women, we get really caught up with the number on the scale. It is so frustrating when you feel that you have changed your lifestyle so drastically and the numbers stop changing.

I also think YOU have to be ready to make a change. So much of it is mental. You can’t do it for anyone but yourself. If you want to make a lasting change, it requires patience. There is no quick fix.

Erica (my meal prep partner) and I started talking about “non scale victories” that we had heard people talk about on our Facebook WW forums. They often just call them “NSVs”.

I stopped following indulgent food accounts on Instagram and started following healthy lifestyle accounts. We are all “influenced” whether we want to believe it or not.

She posts the best and most inspirational stuff! I think it’s good to keep this in my camera roll. I have now been on a healthier lifestyle journey for 7 months. Erica has been on her journey for 3 months. Even when the numbers don’t move or don’t move fast enough, we are seeing changes.

• I noticed very quickly that I had more energy. I just had someone say that they thought I was younger than they were because I seemed to have so much more energy than she does. What a compliment! I also had a sweet student give me a lotion a few years ago called Stress Relief. She said, “The other choice on sale was called Energy but you seem to have enough of that.” Ha! I think that was because I “perform” all day at school and then crash after the last bell!
• I almost immediately started sleeping better. I think it only took a week of cutting out the crap for me to see this!
• One of my goals was to stop groaning upon standing. Ha! I was ashamed at all the noise I was making. I am no longer a groaner – or at least as bad of a groaner.
• I literally was choosing not to do things that involved too much walking. I am saying “yes” more to things that involve more walking.
• I was not as extroverted as I wanted to be because I was not feeling my most confident.
• Tom said when he first met me he couldn’t keep up with me when we were walking places and he noticed that I am starting to be that way again.
• I am craving more healthy foods and craving less non-healthy foods.
• I love having our foods last longer because I am watching portion sizes.
• I have less back pain. True story: I started having really bad back spasms in March. I went to set up my classroom and was in so much pain with my back muscles tightening up every time I moved a desk. I was seriously worried about being able to do my job! Don’t anyone let you believe teaching is not an extremely physical job. You really have to be able to stand all day, walk all day around the room, bend over to pick things up, hang things up, and do all of your own grunt work.
• Everyone wants to be in their best shape for summer, but it is a great feeling to put on my leggings from last winter and have them fit so much better. It is a great feeling to not feel so schlumpy in your bigger winter clothes, you know?
• It’s amazing to me how much weight you lose in strange places on your body. My necklaces lay better with a thinner neck, my rings are looser, my earrings are loose (just kidding to see if you are still here!), my tops fit better, etc.

I am sure I have forgotten so much of what Erica and I discussed, but you get the idea. What NSVs have you enjoyed recently or in the past?

I am pissed at myself for not taking care of my body and I wish I had been ready to make a change earlier. But, it’s time to live in the present and move forward.

Now for what I have been wearing lately. I have really slacked on photos because I have just been so busy, but here are a few.

For my party I wanted to go out and get a cute top but I didn’t. I decided on my new smaller sized jeans, my Lucky booties, and my black belt with an old Old Navy boho blouse. It got so cold, though, that I wore my Target poncho for the first time. The shirt was a bit lumpy under and I felt a bit dowdy, but I was warm and comfy.

I finally wore my new Loft clearance dress to school last week. I feel like it looks like Grandma’s curtains but I love it. This might be my Thanksgiving dress.

And, I wore my new floral blouse, a Target cardigan from last year that I bought in about 5 colors, jeans, and my gold clogs.

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

How in the BEEP am I fifty? It sure did come quickly.

This past weekend I celebrated and to be honest, I will keep the celebration going as long as people will let me! Why not?

Indulge me in a bit of stream of consciousness here. I thought about doing a “X Number of Things about Me” post like many bloggers do on their birthdays, but fifty things about me just seems too hard. Are there even fifty things about me? I’m not that complicated.

This birthday has me thinking about my Dad. He would have said he can’t believe he has a child this old, how my birth was the best day of his life (along with the birth of my sisters), and how he was so proud of me and the person I have become. He would have had lots of heartfelt sentiments for me that were sometimes more than I deserved. This makes me smile to imagine his voice saying these things.

A lot of big things have happened for me recently, as my dear readers know. My twins graduated from high school and started college. Tom and I became empty nesters in one fell swoop. And, as of October 1, I became eligible for retirement.

I have more time for myself than I have had since I was 29. I don’t know how much longer I want to teach but it sure feels good to have that choice now. Honestly, I am worn out from this school year already and I don’t know how many more educational “trends” (started by those not in the classroom) that I can endure. But, I am not really ready to leave the game yet. Also, I would hate to go out on a year like this. But, I also need to put myself first now. So, we will see. There are so many things I would like to pursue in my next chapter.

I am going through a bit of a metamorphosis and I think I like it. I have seen some amazing women turn 50 before me and they are truly inspire me. I welcome your words of advice if you have them! One thing I always tell my students is to never want to stop learning new things and I know I have so much more to learn.

I felt about weird about posting my lovely and thoughtful gifts, but I decided to do so because they mean so much to me and because they might help you with gifting ideas for the approaching holidays.

I truly only wanted quality time with the people in my life, but I get so touched when a gift shows that someone really GETS me, you know?

My co-worker Erica gave me this “Basic Bitch Acceptance” candle that is infused with pumpkin spice everything! Oh yes! I am basic!

Our friends John and Christine brought me wine and this awesome plant called “Mother in law’s Tongue”. My MIL does not have a sharp tongue so I can’t relate. Lol!

My friend Heather ran into an old college friend, Lucy, who happened to be in town for the weekend visiting family and told her to come, which was awesome. I felt so bad that she brought me a gift, though! Look at this awesome cow print Swig cup. I have a cup problem!

She also gave me these awesome tortoise shell bracelets. I love tortoise shell.

My co worker Elizabeth gave me a tub holder for when our bathroom is done. Tom thought it was a tub charcuterie board and I just think he might be on to something.

She added this hair turban, soap, and loofah.

The hair turban is really cool! Marge Simpson, anyone?

Our friends Scott and Jessica gave me this cool pan holder. Have you seen these? You stick a disposable pan inside to take places. I have wanted one!

They also gave me this funny kitchen towel!

My sister in law and family gave me this pretty wrap/poncho. I am excited to have lighter colored ponchos.

And, my SIL Jessica had my niece go to Craig Conover’s shop (from Bravo’s Southern Charm) when she was in Charleston to get me this hilarious cup! It’s an “if you know you know” thing for people that watch the show!

And, Heather gave me this one:

Heather gave me these awesome earrings that I got for our other friend Heather.

Our other friend Heather gave me this Madewell tote. I love the print!

Beth and her hub gave me an Anthro gift card and look how cute they package it. It is a ribbon with the card inside.

Dan and Kara gave me this cool paddle charcuterie board with a really sweet note attached. They are both really good with words and with giving words of affirmation.

They wrote: “Is a charcuterie board Amy or is Amy a charcuterie board? (haha) Always colorful. Can be taken anywhere you want festivities to ensue. Always welcoming, making guests feel at ease as if something special is happening. Able to mix with a variety of flavors and tastes. (lol) Able to be paired with a unique cocktail reflecting the season (or an Ale 8 – Tom’s beverage of choice).”

I was so touched. That is the person I want to be, but I am not sure I am there yet.

My friends Victoria and Dave had a prior commitment, but Victoria gave me this awesome Frida Kahlo kimono over fall break.

I am truly spoiled!

Thanks for indulging me,

Amy

Monday, November 1, 2021

What a weekend! I am linking up with Heather and more here!

How was your weekend? I hope it was great!

First off, the jeans I wore to school Friday were loose and getting looser and annoying as the day went on. I decided to get on my Target app and order the $15 Universal Thread in the next size down via drive up and they fit! So, that made me feel amazing! I know the sizing isn’t always consistent, but just left me have this victory! Ha!

I followed that up with a CFA grilled nugget with my homemade fries and pickles meal. Nothing motivates me to keep going like that kind of success, you know? This is very low points for me which I needed because I had indulged in a – gasp – 11 point pumpkin spice latte that day. Balance, right?

Tom and I watched tv and crashed pretty early.

The next day was a big day because I was throwing a 50th birthday party for myself! Ha! Tom asked what I wanted and I said I just wanted a casual backyard party. So, Tom put in a lot of work for me and I really appreciated it!

I bought an inviation design off of Etsy for $5 and simply texted it out. I wanted to keep the party small so that my backyard situation could handle it.

My sweet sister in law offered to take care of the cake and did she ever! That is a real bottle of Patron in the cake.

Look how close to the invite design it is!

It rained all morning and part of the day so I was a bit nervous. Tom had the idea to put up this giant tail gate tent we have.

Jack and Mason came home to help set up. Tom also bought more lights to hang under the tent like the ones we have on the patio.

I will just let the photos speak for themselves. I made several apps and we ordered a taco bar from a local restaurant. My sister in law also made a giant salmon and roasted veggies. She outdid herself and it was so appreciated!

We had 24 people and only 2 couldn’t make it. I am so mad that I didn’t get a photo of everyone and with everyone!

I will show you my thoughtful gifts in another post, but one of them is this candle that says the scent is “Basic Bitch Acceptance” and that it smells like “pumpkin spice everything”. That was from my co-worker Erica. I just invited Erica and Elizabeth from school and their significant others.

Sunday was a true day of rest. I only left the house for a walk and to run to the store. I spent most of the day cleaning up from the party and reading on the patio. I just started this and it is so good!

Last in the afternoon, I made the traditional chili and opened a fabulous wine I had bought for the party.

It kind of has a chai latte spices feel to it. Highly recommend and I will buy this again!

And, I just have to leave you with the perfect card Beth found for me.

My actual birthday is tomorrow and I took a personal day! Remember that post awhile ago here? I think everyone should have their birthday off to do whatever they want to do! I am a lucky gal!

Thanks for visiting me!

Amy

Friday, October 29. 2021

Linking up with Andrea, etc. for everyones’ favorite link up!

I had another busy, but good week. Here are some faves from my camera roll with a bit of a re-cap of the week.

How was yours? I hope it was great! October sure went by too quickly for me. I love November, but I kinda dread the winter that comes after the holidays.

I usually get my hair highlighted every 8ish weeks on a Saturday morning. I love my stylist, Laura. This time I had to do a Tuesday afternoon after school and a meeting.

Before (See all those dark roots?):

After:

I still only have a few grey hairs, thankfully.

I received Pioneer Woman Christmas already!

Erica (my co-worker and lunch partner) made a fabulous stir fry meal this week.

I made sweet potato lasagna again!

I found this really motivating!

I forgot to tell you during my Hello Monday post that we went to a breast cancer fundraiser on Sunday where they catapult pumpkins into the river.

These are the targets.

It was a nice afternoon and we got to see some people, too!

I bought a charcuterie board on a lazy Susan! I found it at World Market and have been wanting one for forever! But, DO NOT spin it too fast. I spun it like I was on Wheel of Fortune the first time. Lesson learned.

Erica also made a stuffed acorn squash this week. She made homemade chicken sausage, rice, mushrooms, spices, and a bit of cheese. It was out of this world – restaurant quality. I’m starting to think I’m getting the better end of this lunch deal!

This is my sweet Spanish Club! I guess it’s not really mine but I am leading it this year. These kids are willing to hang out after school because they love Spanish? We met outside again because it is just safer and easier with Covid. Also, we got so lucky on the weather!

We have a student who is a real recording artist already. His family is from Puerto Rico. He agreed to sing 3 songs in Spanish for our club! It was so fun and the kids danced and showed him the love.

Then, one of our Spanish teachers did a live guacamole demo and we ate the fruits of his labor.

All the meetings I had last week did nothing to directly impact the kids. THIS is what directly impacts the kids!

Mason texted to see if I wanted to hang out and get a late lunch/early dinner after school. I kinda have a loose policy to always say YES when it comes to this kinda stuff!

Mason is a foodie and didn’t care where we went. I had talked and talked about Red Hog and finally got to show him. I ordered a ginger based mocktail for him and a really spicy cocktail for me.

Um… this ended up being my dinner. Their fries and curry mayo are good! I ate way too many so that was it for me for the rest of the day.

Mason ordered a Cuban sandwich and had lots left to take back.

Jack probably wouldn’t text me like this but he did a couple of times last year. Also, Jack is super busy this semester. I would like to hang with Jack soon and maybe I will ask him!

Leave me your highlight in the comments and thanks for reading!

Amy

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Hello and happy Wednesday! I took off from posting yesterday and I am taking off on Thursday, too. Come back Friday for favorites!

Here are some recent outfits – some are out of order!

I was so happy to wear some normal clothes last Friday. I incorporated a school color (maroon) with my denim skirt and kimono. Two weeks of spirit is just too much spirit – whew!

Thursday was Generations Day – Seniors were senior citizens, juniors were working professionals, sophomores were kids, and freshmen were babies. Teachers decided to dress for retirement life. I debated doing a beach/travel look, but at the last minute I decided to be a trophy wife.

This would almost be an outfit I would wear – I would probably wear booties instead.

And, for my lewk I added a Starbucks cup, bee sunglasses, and a trophy. Yes, the trophy does say second place, but I was hoping no one would notice! Erica even had a bluetooth speaker playing Jimmy Buffet all day. We had a little too much fun with it!

The other spirit days were Mismatch, Holiday Day, Dress like a Teacher Day, and Character Day. They did some really creative themes this year. I think this helps toward building community in our schools again. It all may seem a bit silly but this is the stuff that kids remember and it ends up being these little things that are such a huge part of American high school life, if that makes sense.

Saturday I repeated the outfit below when Mason and I went to the outdoor flea market. Boy, have I gotten my money’s worth from some of my blouses, my gold clogs, my jeans, and my cross body purse! I love it when that happens. I want to feel that I make good fashion purchases!

Sunday I wore black leggings, my black New Balance, and this chambray popover with my new small black purse and Gucci-esque strap. Super easy to throw on!

Monday for school it was raining and storming and I always wear black when it rains. I wore my Tieks, my trusty Chicos pants, and my Umgee kimono. This black high necked and the maroon high necked are new Target purchases to wear under things. I don’t get so hot when I have a sleeveless top under a cardigan or kimono.

And, finally I wore these Hue leggings/jeggings that I bought at a consignment store, cognac Jack Rogers booties, my other most worn fall blouse, and an old Target lightweight cardigan.

Do you have a favorite outfit? I will be honest in that sometimes I use school as a training ground to see if I like an outfit and would wear it out in my “real life”. Ha! That is silly since I mainly go to school! Do you do that, too?

What have you been wearing lately? I would love to know!

Amy

Monday, October 25, 2021

How was your weekend? I am linking up today with Heather, etc. right here!

First… some business: I will only be posting Wednesday and Friday this week. This is another really busy week for me, so don’t be worried – lol.

Friday was a good day at school and Erica meal prepped curry lentil soup that was really good. I like our arrangement because she makes things I wouldn’t think to make. The variety is really good!

It was so cold when I got out of school. I broke out my 15 year old Uggs and my LulaRoe leggings. Yes, I said LulaRoe. They are really the warmest ones I own.

Tom had Totino’s frozen pizza and I had skinny pizza dough pizza and we really were living the empty nester dream Friday night. We watched some tv together and alone and I fell asleep very early.

Saturday morning I was pretty excited. I did my cleaning routine and then I set out for the grand opening of a cookie shop!

This is their creme brulee cookie. There are no words. If you are local, support this new business!

Mason had agreed to go to the last Paristown Flea with me! I am sad it’s the last one. They had Halloween candy at all of the booths.

This plant bus is the cutest.

Mason found a record and shirt for a birthday gift for his roommate and I found a cranberry mimosa! Yum!

We looked at the food trucks and were sad the giant pretzel one was not there. We decided to head to Ciao and get their breadsticks that we love.

We had some really nice one on one time and some great conversation. We said goodbye but he was coming home with Jack later in the afternoon.

They came home and we watched some Ted Lassos together while it started raining outside.

Then, Tom and I went back to Malone’s with our friends.

I got a really good old fashioned and

veggie sushi.

The chocolate cake was ordered again but I only had a tiny piece this time. The piece I had last time was too much.

Sunday morning I finished this book with my coffee. It was way darker than I normally read, but you might like it. I did enjoy it and now I feel like I can try the Netflix version of it.

I did meal prep and cleaned and then the whole fam went to see the movie Dune.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

See ya back here Wednesday – I hope!

Amy

Thursday, October 21, 2021

By popular demand, here is the Greek Bowl recipe I used. You could make so many variations! Do not skip the homemade tzatziki. You may be tempted to do a store bought version, but it was worth it to make my own. It was really easy.

You need:

Rice- I did instant brown rice but you could do rice, couscous, cauliflower rice, or no rice. You could also do orzo.

Chicken- You can use rotisserie or leftover. I did a crockpot of chicken tenders with chicken broth. I added a bit of Greek seasoning after it was cooked.

Cucumbers – dice some and grate some into paper towels and then squeeze out as much water as possible. Save the grated for the sauce. I peeled the cucumber for the diced but I left skin and seeds on for grating and it turned out perfectly!

Tomatoes – diced. I did grape tomatoes

Red onions – diced. Roasted would also be delish!

Olives (I don’t like them)

Feta cheese – I did the lower fat version.

Tzatziki Sauce:

Greek non fat plain yogurt – I used one individual container.

dill – I just used the dried spice

Lemon juice- 1 tsp.

EVOO- 1 tsp.

Salt, pepper, garlic powder- just a few dashes

Mix these ingredients together until smooth. Now add the drained, grated cucumber to the mix. You can let sit for a bit or refrigerate until ready.

I heated the rice and chicken just a little bit and added the remaining ingredients to a bowl with those.

Do you think you will try this? Any other ideas for variations?

Amy

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Ummmmm, not sure about this title, but let’s go with it. This is what I ate last Thursday. My weekends look a little different so I wanted to do a weekday. This may be as interesting as watching paint dry; you have been warned!

I start the day with precisely two cups of coffee with one mini moo in each. Land O’Lakes half and half – I guess is the real name but I enjoy saying “mini moo”. I do not use any sweetener. I am not sure I could ever go with just black coffee. I think the coffee would have to be flavored for me to even attempt this?

I make my iced coffee/half of a Premier Protein to go. I drink it along with my water for the first couple of hours of work.

Around 8:00 am (still on my planning period), I put this breakfast mixture on a paper plate and heat it up and eat it. I am curious about intermittent fasting but I’m not sure I could do it. I stop eating around 7 or 8 p.m. and don’t eat until 8:00 a.m. Is that intermittent enough? I think so!

Around 10:30 am, I either eat a Built bar or a banana. I ran out of bananas on this day but wasn’t that hungry. I only had about 1/4 of it.

For lunch at 11:42, (Yes, I said 11:42) I have a fairly low carb meal. This particular day was cauliflower fried rice with egg roll in a bowl. If you are new around here, my co-worker Erica and I split up lunch duty each week. This has really been wonderful. We have seriously eaten better than we have ever eaten as teachers with a 20 minute lunch!

I can’t lie; most days I have a dessert. This was spice cake mixed with water and Greek non fat plain yogurt with a frosting of sugar free Cool Whip, pumpkin pie spice, sugar free vanilla pudding, and cinnamon. It was delicious and no one would call it a sub par “healthy cake”. It was fine to eat like a “bar” instead of cake, too.

At 2:20 when the final bell rang, I ate the rest of the Built bar and chugged as much water as I could. I started really trying to up my water intake which has me going to the restroom every 50 minutes.

I then walked for 30 minutes.

Normally I would have a snack, but I made a to-go cocktail instead because my friend and I were waiting in line to be one of the first 25 to win a free gift at a pop up shop.

I talked about it yesterday in Hello Monday. It was really fun. We drank my skinny margarita while waiting in line.

Dinner was really random. Tom wanted his soup from The Fresh Market and I wanted a very low point dinner. I had steamed broccoli, pickles, chicken sausage (apple Gouda by Amylu). I also made a mushroom frittata that wasn’t too pretty to look at.

This is what my app looked like at the end of Thursday.

At school I have a giant jug of water that I fill and at home I usually fill this big Tervis tumbler at least 4 times in the morning and after school.

So, that was my day. If you are thinking about WW, they are coming out with a new plan in November. I have no idea what it will be like but I do plan to adapt to it I think.

In other foods lately, here is my sheet pan of veg for the week.

I tried a ground turkey shepherd pie that I think will be a repeat!

I tried a Greek bowl that will also be a repeat!

It was fun to try 2 new recipes!

I had avocado toast on Keto bread for an after school snack. This never gets old!

The fam had Texas Toast and I made skinny pizza dough breadsticks. I do lots of little adaptations like this.

I have now lost 41.3 pounds. Yes, the last 1.3 has come off slowly, but I had Fall Break, Fall Break of my college kids, and I enjoyed life!

I am walking more, drinking more water, and trying to eat more protein.

This is my favorite time of year to walk! It just feels amazing outside!

Do you have any suggestions for me? Any foods or recipes you love? Any new finds at the grocery?

Happy Eating!

Amy

Monday, October 18, 2021

It’s time to link up with Heather, etc. for Hello Monday, where we share our weekends. I enjoy seeing how other people spend their time and sometimes I get inspiration.

I wasn’t ready for today; I will be honest. I have two pretty busy 5 day weeks ahead of me to finish out my October. I spent a lot of time planning yesterday and meal prepping, so that definitely helps. I don’t do well with a super full calendar.

What are your strategies when life gets extra busy? For me, I go into extra planning mode. I also plan for easier meals and leftovers. I also have a night where I know we can do takeout.

I have busy days at school and on top of that, I have meetings after school 3 days this week. Yes, we are back to in person meetings, meetings, meetings. Not to sound like a whiner, but I need my after school time to get my walks in and after teaching in a mask for 8 hours, it just feels harder to go meet in a mask. Most meetings could have been an email – amiright?

Let’s go back to Thursday afternoon for a brief moment. We have a shopping center called Westport Village with mostly locally owned boutiques and restaurants. There are some vacant spots and one of them is serving as a pop up for Work the Metal which has a bigger shop downtown.

They had an opening celebration where the first 25 people got a pair of earrings and they served prosecco and their own handmade chocolate. Elizabeth met me and we spent a fun hour there and in the other shops. I love to shop locally and plan to do that as much as I can for the holidays. If you are local, they have great gifts!

Friday at school was “country vs. country club” so I tried to do both. It was fun. We have another spirit week this week. It’s not distracting to our academics and it feels fun and “normal” to the kids that get into it.

It rained most of Friday and after school seemed apropos for a hot chocolate, candle, and my blogs that I failed to read Friday morning.

I was kinda bummed because we had plans for an outdoor concert – the last of the season – but the rain cancelled it. We still went out to eat in the neighborhood. We had hot and sour soup perfect for the rainy weather.

They give you a complimentary cookie from a local shop called Penny and Pearl’s that are the best! We got sea salt chocolate chip and red velvet.

My car rolled over to 100, 000 miles Friday night and Tom forgot to announce it. I had been anticipating it. So, Saturday morning I noticed it when I went to Kroger very early. I love my car and hope to keep it for a long time. It’s a 2012.

I braved the store for a big grocery haul for the first time in a long time. It was a lot of work and lots of stuff was not available. It seems we have another green chile shortage afoot. We also have a Jimmy Dean turkey sausage shortage in my store. There were several other items missing but I’m flexible and realize it is definitely a “first world problem”. I saw a student (when do I not? lol) working Clicklist and he told me he had to substitute so many things already that morning and he hoped he wouldn’t get yelled at by the customers.

People… PLEASE do not yell at the teenager that brings your groceries out. It is not their fault!

It took forever to unload and put everything away but Tom was around to help me unload. I don’t like him to help put things away. Then, I made myself a fancier breakfast with red potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs.

I did try to go to the Paristown Flea by myself but realized it wasn’t this Saturday when I got there and there was nothing = ha! I thought about doing some other shopping but opted to come home and clean and relax until the 3:30 football game. I had a margarita. Casamigos tequila is my fave now – only 2 WW points. I had 22 Tostitos bite sized and salsa.

Tom brought the tv outside.

I started reading this and it is good but darker than I usually choose! Anyone read it? I’m really into it and it seems pretty good for October, too! It was leggings and sweatshirt cold. We had all been wanting it but it came as a shock to the system and I didn’t last that long in the shade.

J and M came home to do some laundry and hang out around 3. I made tacos for dinner but I forgot a picture. I had a low carb tortilla with chicken, salsa, lettuce, and beans instead.

Yesterday morning I had my coffee and quiet time and then started meal prep, laundry, cleaning, and school work. It just seems to work better for me to get stuff done in the morning when I have more energy! I also think it helps me relax after accomplishing those things, you know?

Before I wrap up this pretty boring recap…

From last weekend, I forgot to show you my “joke”. My sister, niece and I accompanied my mom to a miniature show because my mom is really into creating little miniature scenes for different holidays.

I tried to make a miniature charcuterie to go box. It really filled everyone up. It is a tiny fork, tiny salami, tiny cheese in two flavors, a pomegranate seed, an almond, an oyster cracker, a wheat thin, and a mini chocolate chip.

I’m weird and I will do lots of things for a laugh. I will even do lots of things for a mere chuckle.

My niece Lena laughed the most. She is a lot like me, poor thing.

How was your weekend? I hope it was wonderful!

Thanks for reading!

Amy